A major step forward in compassionate workplace reform has been achieved, as the Australian Parliament passed the landmark “Priya’s Law” on Monday — an amendment to the Fair Work Act ensuring paid parental leave remains protected after stillbirth or neonatal death.
The law, officially titled Baby Priya’s Bill, was named in honour of baby Priya, who tragically passed away at just 42 days old in 2024. Her parents’ experience and tireless advocacy following their loss inspired national change that will now protect grieving families from unnecessary financial and emotional hardship.
Under the new law, employees who experience stillbirth or the death of a newborn will retain full access to their employer-funded paid parental leave. Employers will no longer be permitted to cancel or withdraw parental leave once it has been granted, except where a mutual agreement has been prearranged.
For Priya’s parents, the legislation marks the end of a painful journey toward recognition and fairness. After the loss of their daughter, Priya’s mother was denied her paid parental leave, while Priya’s father was allowed to take his full entitlement. Their petition on Change.org attracted over 30,000 signatures, leading to a meeting with the Prime Minister and the eventual drafting of the bill.
In an emotional statement following the law’s passage, Priya’s mother described the moment as both heartbreaking and healing:
“I still have one wish — to have my daughter back. But since that can never happen, this law is the next best thing: honouring her.”
She added that Priya’s story “has set a new standard for how employers should treat parents who experience stillbirth or infant loss”, describing the law as one built on “love, compassion, dignity, and respect.”
“It is a symbol of my love for my daughter. When I was made to feel that her life didn’t matter, this Bill acknowledges that it does — it always has, and it always will.”
The legislation is expected to affect thousands of families across Australia each year. According to national health data, over 3,000 families lost a child due to stillbirth or neonatal death in 2022 alone.
Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth praised Priya’s parents for their courage, describing their determination as a powerful force for change.
“They have shown immense strength in transforming their grief into something that will help others,” Rishworth said. “These are some of the hardest circumstances any parent could face. They deserve time, space, and security to grieve without worrying about returning to work prematurely.”
Rishworth emphasised that while Australia remains one of the safest countries in the world for childbirth, stillbirth and infant loss continue to have a “profound and long-lasting impact” on families and communities.
Priya’s Law, she said, ensures that “no parent will face additional pain from losing their entitlements at a time of unimaginable grief.”
The bill’s passage represents a new national standard — not only in workplace law but also in compassion. For Priya’s parents, it is a lasting tribute to their daughter’s short life and a beacon for countless others walking the same difficult path.
As Priya’s mother wrote:
“Baby Priya’s Bill honours my daughter and every baby who has passed — and sadly, every baby who will pass. Every loss matters.”
