Link: Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025 – Parliament of Australia
The Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025, known more simply as Baby Priya’s Bill, is a compassionate reform designed to protect parents who experience the loss of a child.
The Bill was inspired by the story of Baby Priya, whose mother’s paid parental leave was cancelled after her infant passed away, leaving her without the time or financial support to grieve.
The amendment ensures that employer-funded paid parental leave cannot be withdrawn or cancelled solely because a child is stillborn or dies shortly after birth, unless both the employer and employee have specifically agreed otherwise.
The Bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on 9 October 2025 and passed both Houses of Parliament on 3 November 2025 with bipartisan support. It now awaits Royal Assent, after which it will become law. Once enacted, the amendment will require employers to review their parental leave policies, procedures and templates to make sure they align with the new standard.
Businesses should take the opportunity to update their parental leave policies, employment contracts and enterprise agreements to ensure compliance once the Bill receives Royal Assent.
For specific advice contact the Workplace Relations Team on 0261755900 or workplace@mba.org.au.
