Red Nose supports a compassionate approach to paid parental leave for families of premature and unwell babies

Every year in Australia, thousands of families face the unexpected reality of having a baby born premature or unwell. For many, those first days and weeks of parenthood are spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN), surrounded by monitors, medical teams, and uncertainty.

At Red Nose, we know that the early moments between a baby and their parents are powerful. The sound of a parent’s voice, a gentle touch, and time spent together all help babies thrive — physically, emotionally, and developmentally. For parents, these moments are the foundation of lifelong connection and confidence.

The challenge for neonatal families

Current paid parental leave arrangements often mean that time runs out before a baby is discharged from hospital. For parents whose newborn spends weeks or months in the NICU, much of their leave is used before they even bring their baby home.

Parenting a baby in neonatal care is one of the toughest experiences a family can face. It brings emotional stress, financial pressure, and the physical exhaustion of hospital life. Families in this situation need understanding, flexibility, and practical support so they can focus on what matters most — caring for and bonding with their baby.

Working together to strengthen support for NICU and SCN families

Red Nose warmly supports the Neonatal Critical Care Alliance’s proposal to build on Australia’s existing Paid Parental Leave Scheme by providing extra paid leave for families of babies requiring extended hospital care.

The proposed change would allow:

• Primary carers to access one additional week of paid parental leave for each week their baby remains in hospital beyond two weeks (up to a maximum of 14 weeks).
• Secondary carers to access an additional 1–2 weeks of leave, depending on the baby’s length of stay.

This approach would recognise the unique challenges of neonatal families and ensure they have the time they need to bond, recover, and adjust.

The proposal aligns closely with the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy 2024–2034, particularly its goals of:

• Promoting children’s health and wellbeing.
• Strengthening family support and connection.

Red Nose commends the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for Australian families and children. Extending parental leave for NICU and SCN families would be a thoughtful and practical next step in achieving that shared vision.

Why early bonding in neonatal care matters

The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, are critical for brain development and wellbeing. For babies born preterm or unwell, the NICU becomes their first home, and parental presence is a vital part of their recovery.

Research shows that when parents can spend consistent time with their baby in hospital:

• Babies gain weight faster and often leave hospital sooner.
• Parents experience lower rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Families build stronger, more confident bonds that support lifelong wellbeing.

Providing extra paid parental leave gives families the time, financial stability, and peace of mind to be there for their baby, without additional hardship.

A shared vision for Australia’s youngest and most vulnerable

The Australian Government has shown real leadership in supporting parents through the Paid Parental Leave Scheme and the Early Years Strategy. Red Nose believes that extending paid leave for neonatal families would further strengthen this legacy, ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the best possible start in life.

Our message of partnership and hope

At Red Nose, our mission is to save little lives and support families through every stage of parenthood, from pregnancy. birth and beyond. We are even there when the worst happens and family need support through bereavement care.  We share the Government’s vision for a nation where every baby can thrive, and every parent feels supported.

By working together, government, health professionals, and family advocacy organisations, we can make sure no family is left behind when a baby needs extra care.

Every baby deserves the best start in life. Every parent deserves the time, care, and compassion to be there for their little one.

Red Nose proudly stands with the Neonatal Critical Care Alliance and thousands of Australian families calling for this compassionate improvement to paid parental leave.