Imagine losing your child and then being denied the time and support you desperately need to grieve. This heartbreaking reality is what one Australian family faced, but their story has sparked a groundbreaking change. A major workplace reform is now in place for grieving parents in Australia, thanks to the passage of a landmark parental leave law. Let’s dive into what this means and why it’s such a big deal.
Dubbed Priya’s Law, this amendment to the Fair Work Act ensures that parents who experience the devastating loss of a child through stillbirth or neonatal death can access employer-funded paid parental leave. The law is named in honor of baby Priya, who tragically passed away at just 42 days old in 2024. After Priya’s mother informed her employer of her daughter’s death, she was denied paid parental leave, while the baby’s father was allowed to take his full entitlement. This stark disparity led the couple to launch a petition that gathered over 30,000 signatures and ultimately resulted in a meeting with the Prime Minister.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the law mandates that employers cannot unilaterally cancel already granted parental leave (unless a pre-existing agreement is in place), it still allows for negotiation between employers and employees. Critics argue this could leave room for potential disputes, while supporters see it as a balanced approach to protect both parties. What do you think? Is this law a fair compromise, or does it fall short in ensuring unconditional support for grieving parents?
Priya’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed profound gratitude, stating, ‘Given our situation, I can’t think of any better way of honoring my baby girl than having her name as the law and her name as part of history and a part of the future.’ Her words highlight the emotional weight of this reform, which will impact thousands of families. In 2022 alone, over 3,000 families in Australia experienced the loss of a child to stillbirth or neonatal death.
And this is the part most people miss: This law isn’t just about paid leave—it’s about recognizing the profound grief parents endure and ensuring they have the time and space to heal without financial strain. It’s a step toward a more compassionate workplace culture, one that acknowledges the complexities of life’s most difficult moments.
As this reform takes effect, it raises a thought-provoking question: How can societies better support families during times of unimaginable loss? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this important conversation going.
