Do I have to wait to request unpaid parental leave?

No. As of 6 April 2026, unpaid parental leave is a Day One right. You no longer need to complete one year of service to qualify. You can request up to 18 weeks of unpaid leave in total (limited to 4 weeks per year) to care for each child under 18, provided you give 21 days' notice.

It's the employer's responsibility to take of total leave accrued for each child. The WEU would advise that if you're unsure to email the office for tailored advice.