What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill stops employers from cancelling or refusing employer-funded paid parental leave because a baby is stillborn or dies, unless both sides have clearly agreed otherwise. It is named after Baby Priya, whose mother's leave was cancelled after she died at six weeks old. All parties supported the main idea, but the debate also focused on whether the bill covers late-term abortions, and on the Senate cutting debate short.
Arguments made in support
The Government said grieving parents need certainty and time to heal, not negotiations with their employer about returning to work.
Labor members said the bill lines up employer-paid leave with unpaid leave and the government scheme, which already continue after a baby's death.
Supporters said the bill gives managers a clear rule and does not force employers to offer paid parental leave if they do not already.
Coalition senator Anne Ruston, the Greens, David Pocock and One Nation all supported the bill's main aim.
Government, Greens and other senators said late-term terminations are rare medical decisions and that this concern was not raised by the bill.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Several Coalition members backed the bill's aim but asked the government to clarify whether the stillbirth definition includes late-term abortions.
One Nation and Senator Antic moved amendments to exclude intentional terminations, and Senator Canavan moved to exempt cases protecting the mother's health.
Coalition senators criticised the government for limiting Senate debate time on a matter of conscience.
Senator McDonald said small businesses would carry extra costs and employer groups were not properly heard.
The Greens and Senator Payman supported the bill but said it should go further, such as 52 weeks of paid parental leave and reproductive health leave.
52 speeches by 34 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 9 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 29 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 6 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
0 Yes
1 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
2 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.