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Australia Strengthens Parental Leave After Stillbirths, Child Deaths

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Australian Government enacted the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Act 2025 to strengthen protections for employees on employer-funded paid parental leave after a stillbirth or early child death.
The amendments bar employers from refusing or cancelling this leave due to losses, except if the employee requests cancellation or a contractual right applies.
Non-compliance may incur civil penalties for stillbirths or child deaths occurring on or after November 7, 2025.

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Story summary

The Australian Government enacted the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Act 2025 to strengthen protections for employees on employer-funded paid parental leave after a stillbirth or early child death.
The amendments bar employers from refusing or cancelling this leave due to losses, except if the employee requests cancellation or a contractual right applies.
Non-compliance may incur civil penalties for stillbirths or child deaths occurring on or after November 7, 2025.