Parental Leave for Dad?

Hi Mums,

I fell pregnant unexpectedly earlier this year. I have been at my job for almost 2 years, but im only casual and on call, so I didnt clock up enough hours to cover me for Paid Parental Leave.

My partner has been at his current job about 9 months. Prior to that he was with another company for 2 years with a 6 week break between jobs. He was put on 6 months probation so has only been full time with this current job for 3 months, therefore has only accumulated a week or so in leave - which he does not want to use up.

I have told him he needs to get his ducks in a row regarding time off when bub comes. He discussed it with his Supervisor. He had no idea, said "Call the union". He called the union, no idea, said "Call your big boss". He spoke to the big boss, no idea. "I'll call you tomorrow". Gave him a form to fill out regarding leave but it says absolutely nothing about pay. A workmate told him he was paid 2 or 3 weeks leave from Centrelink because he got sick of work not helping. Gobsmacked that a company so well known Australia wide has absolutely no idea about leave! Its stressing us both out as im due in 4 weeks but will go early according to Midwife and OB, and the pressure is on.

I have never had to deal with maternity or parental type leave before. I know what it entails for me, but not my partner. Is he entitled to anything through work? If not is he entitled to anything through Centrelink? He has never used Centrelink for anything before (no kids, always worked etc.) will this affect anything? Where do we go from here?

Thanks!!!