The federal government will increase parental leave entitlements to support families dealing with traumatic birth situations after the inflexible and detrimental nature of current entitlements was publicised on ABC’s 7.30 Report. Entitlements for families who have experienced traumatic births resulting in complications requiring hospitalisation, premature birth, and stillbirth or infant death will be extended to a maximum of 12 months unpaid parental leave. Arrangements will also be more flexible, with parents able to go back to work while their babies are in hospital and retake leave when their babies are ready to go home. Legislation is anticipated to be introduced to parliament during the autumn sitting.
