CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Pregnant employees

Australia now has a government-funded paid parental leave scheme. The scheme allows 18 weeks for the primary carer of a child, paid at the national minimum wage, which can be transferred between parents and taken at any time in the first year after birth or adoption. You must have worked 330 hours within the year before the birth to be eligible.  If you are pregnant and currently employed, contact your employer or the Family Assistance Office to find out more.

Under the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 you are also legally protected from discrimination in employment, whether you are a full-time, part-time or casual employee, on the basis of pregnancy, marital status and family responsibilities. That means that if your employer attempts to terminate your employment, reduce your hours, demote you or does not offer training because you are pregnant, then your legal rights may have been violated.

For more information contact:

Queensland Working Women’s Service
Advisory service on all work related issues.

Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman
Information on wages and employment conditions.

Anti-Discrimination Commission
Information and advocacy service on all forms of discrimination.