“You Can’t Make It Better—But You Can Make It Worse”

Speaking on Ten News, Red Nose Chairperson Nick Xerakias stressed the emotional toll of losing a child and the need for systemic change.

What Is Priya’s Law and Why Does It Matter?

Priya’s Law, officially introduced as the “Baby Priya Bill” is a proposed amendment to the Fair Work Act. It will ensure that parents who suffer the heartbreak of a stillbirth or neonatal death can still access employer-funded paid parental leave.

Until now, there has been no legal protection to stop employers from cancelling paid leave in the event of a child’s death. In many cases, grieving parents have been asked to return to work immediately or use annual leave instead.

Priya’s Law is named after baby Priya, who tragically died at just 42 days old. In the aftermath, her mother, who has chosen not to be identified publicly, was told that her paid parental leave was no longer available. Meanwhile, her husband Chris was allowed to take his full leave entitlement.

“I thought at the time that it was terribly unfair,” said Chris. “I got leave and she didn’t.”

This experience prompted the couple to launch a petition, which quickly garnered over 30,000 signatures and eventually reached the desks of key federal ministers.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Priya’s parents this week, recognising the strength of their advocacy and acknowledging the failure of current laws to support grieving families.

“In some circumstances, we’ve had employers immediately cancel that leave and ask parents to take annual leave, and if they don’t have annual leave, to come back to work straight away,” said Rishworth.

Red Nose believes that the introduction of Priya’s Law as a critical moment for parental rights and bereavement care.

“We’re incredibly pleased to see the government act on this,” said Xerakias. “No family should be forced to navigate HR policy or legal loopholes while mourning their child.”

On average, six babies are stillborn every day and two die within 28 days of birth.

These are not rare events and until now, families experiencing them have had no guaranteed protection when it comes to keeping their paid parental leave.

Priya’s mother addressed the nation with remarkable courage and clarity.

“My hope is that this law will grant [parents] the time, support and financial assistance that are rightfully yours, so that you can take care of yourselves,” she said.

“Priya lived for only 42 days, yet her presence left a profound imprint on me, my family, friends, and now on all of Australia. Though her time was brief, her impact will be everlasting.”

The couple’s strength and advocacy have turned personal tragedy into national change. Their work, supported by Red Nose and thousands of Australians, has ensured that Priya’s Law will protect future families from unnecessary financial and emotional distress.

With support from the Opposition, the Baby Priya Bill is expected to pass both houses of Parliament and become law in the coming weeks.

Once enacted, it will prevent employers from cancelling paid parental leave when a child is stillborn or dies shortly after birth, ensuring bereaved parents have the time and space they need to grieve.

“This law won’t take away the pain,” said Nick Xerakias, “but it acknowledges it and that’s something we’ve needed for a long time.”

For parents like Chris and his wife, and for every family who has experienced the unthinkable, Priya’s Law is a lasting legacy. It is a promise that no one will face this pain alone, and that no one will be forced back to work while still trying to survive the deepest loss imaginable.

Watch the Ten News Canberra News segment here.

Help Red Nose to continue to improve services for all families who experienced the devastating loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, the death of a baby or child by becoming a regular donor today.