Australia Names New Parental Leave Law After Baby Priya

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) with Priya's Mum. Photo: Facebook

Baby Priya’s story began as a tragedy but has now become a catalyst for national change. At just 42 days of age, Priya’s life was cut short, leaving her parents to grapple with unimaginable grief. 

As they tried to make sense of their loss, another cruel blow arrived: Priya’s mother was told her paid parental leave was cancelled, and that she should prepare to return to work—while still deep in mourning.

What happened next would change the law for grieving parents across Australia.

Heartbreak Sparks a New Parental Leave Law

Determined that no other family should face such an ordeal, Priya’s parents campaigned for legislative action.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government moved to enshrine greater support for grieving parents with the introduction of a landmark law, the Fair Work Amendment (“Baby Priya’s”) Bill 2025.

The legislation, unveiled in Federal Parliament, marks a turning point for working parents mourning the loss of a child. The proposed law enshrines a right to continue receiving paid parental leave even in the wake of a tragedy like that of Priya’s mum. 

The Bill introduces a new principle into the Fair Work Act that, unless employers and employees have expressly agreed otherwise, employer-funded paid parental leave must not be cancelled because a child is stillborn or dies. This brings it in line with government-paid parental leave. 

‘Priya Will Live On Forever’

At just 42 days of age, Priya’s life was cut short, leaving her parents to grapple with unimaginable grief. Photo: Facebook

“At a time of heartbreak, parents shouldn't be unexpectedly told it’s time to go back to work by their employer,” Anthony Albanese posted after meeting Priya’s parents.

“That's why today, we've introduced Baby Priya's Bill - giving financial certainty to parents after the loss of a child”.

PM Albanese revealed what Priya’s mum told him - “the law is in her name. Now Priya will live on forever.”

Australia enjoys one of the safest childbirth records worldwide, but the sad reality is that stillbirth and infant loss are not rare.

In 2022, more than 3,000 Australian families lost a child to stillbirth or in the first 28 days of life. For those families, the pain is both personal and profound, often compounded by difficult workplace negotiations or unclear financial prospects.

New LaW Gives Certainty for Grieving Parents

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth. Photo: Facebook

The new Bill was introduced in Parliament by Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth. 

Rishworth emphasised the far-reaching importance of the law: “Such losses have a profound and long-lasting impact on parents, families, and their communities. Parents should not have to deal with uncertainty about their employer-funded paid parental leave entitlements on top of their grief.” 

The Bill also continues to support good faith negotiations and enterprise bargaining, allowing flexibility when both employer and employee agree.

“It is important that parents don’t find themselves having to negotiate with their employers over their leave arrangements at such a difficult moment, giving them time and space to grieve,” said the Minister, adding, “This Bill will also alleviate any uncertainty for employees and managers.”

Minister Rishworth credited Priya’s family’s “bravery and advocacy” for focusing national attention on an often hidden harm. 

She also acknowledged the bipartisan and employer support behind the reform: “No parent should ever have to go through what Priya’s mum experienced, and that’s why our government has acted to safeguard these entitlements.”