Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to provide certainty regarding employer-funded paid parental leave in cases of stillbirth or infant death. The legislation introduces a principle that such leave cannot be cancelled unless expressly agreed otherwise by both parties. The Minister highlighted that this reform addresses a gap in the current framework, ensuring consistency with unpaid leave entitlements and reducing stress for grieving parents. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on legislation to prevent employers from cancelling paid parental leave following a stillbirth or neonatal death. Labor members argued the bill closed a legal loophole, providing certainty and compassion for grieving parents, while citing the advocacy of Baby Priya’s family. Opposition members supported the bill’s intent regarding natural loss but raised concerns that the definition of stillbirth might inadvertently cover late-term abortions, seeking clarification from the government. The discussion highlighted bipartisan support for protecting parental leave entitlements in cases of infant loss, with Labor emphasising the bill’s alignment with broader workplace relations reforms.

   Outcome: The transcript ends before the final vote or outcome is recorded.

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4. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered amendments to the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025 during committee stage. Senators from Pauline Hanson's One Nation and the Liberal Party moved amendments to exclude cases involving intentional termination of pregnancy from the bill's provisions. A further amendment was proposed to allow exceptions where termination was necessary to protect the mother's health. All proposed amendments were defeated in divisions.

   Outcome: Three divisions were held on the amendments, with all being defeated.

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6. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025, which stops employers from cancelling employer-funded paid parental leave when a stillbirth or infant death occurs. The Labor government, the Greens, One Nation (with an amendment), and the Liberal opposition backed the bill, calling it a compassionate step that gives certainty to grieving parents. Senator Malcolm Roberts proposed an amendment to deny paid leave to women who chose to terminate pregnancies, claiming such situations should not receive financial benefits. The government rejected the amendment, saying it was irrelevant to the bill's aim and that the current stillbirth definition did not include lawful terminations. The amendment was defeated, and the bill passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The amendment moved by Senator Roberts was defeated, and the bill was read a second time.

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7. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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