Federal inquiry considers paid reproductive leave for Australian workers

Federal inquiry reviews paid reproductive leave proposal

A federal inquiry is examining whether Australia's National Employment Standards (NES) are fit for purpose, with unions, lawyers, and advocates calling for at least 10 days of non-cumulative paid reproductive leave on top of existing sick leave. The inquiry is expected to deliver recommendations later in 2026.

What the leave could cover

Submissions to the inquiry suggest reproductive leave could apply to fertility treatment, miscarriage, menstrual pain, menopause, and endometriosis. Some proposals also include men, covering prostate cancer screening, vasectomies, and related allied health needs. Supporters say the entitlement should be additional to the standard 10 days of sick leave, not a replacement for it.

One worker's experience

Georgia, a graphic designer in her 20s, experienced pregnancy loss at 13 weeks earlier this year. She said she returned to work almost immediately and took only two days off because her workplace had no written policy on miscarriage. She also described regularly managing period-related pain and discomfort but feeling unable to request leave for it without giving another reason.

Existing entitlements and international examples

Queensland public sector workers have received 10 days of paid reproductive leave since 2024 under an agreement covering roughly 320,000 employees. Overseas, Spain introduced paid menstrual leave in 2023. Japan has had menstrual leave provisions since 1947, though it does not guarantee payment or a fixed number of days. Indonesia, South Korea, Zambia, and several states in Mexico also have menstrual leave policies.

Economic and equity arguments

Modelling by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, commissioned by unions including the Queensland Council of Unions, estimated that reproductive health issues cost the Australian economy $21.3 billion a year. The figure accounts for absences and reduced productivity among people working through pain.

Michelle O'Shea, a workplace equity researcher at Western Sydney University who made a submission to the inquiry, said women are participating in the labour market at unprecedented rates and will increasingly manage perimenopause and menopause while employed.

Business group response

Liam Jones from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said many small businesses cannot absorb extra costs during a cost-of-doing-business crisis. He argued for genuine flexibility and existing entitlements instead of new mandated leave.

Practical implications for workers

If adopted nationally, the proposal would mean employees could access paid leave for reproductive health needs without using sick leave or disclosing detailed medical information to employers, depending on final design. Until any legislative change, entitlements depend on individual workplace policies, enterprise agreements, or state public sector agreements.

What happens next

A government spokesperson said the NES committee is considering all evidence carefully and will make recommendations. The government will then decide how to respond.

How to verify the announcement

Readers can check the original ABC report and the federal inquiry's published submissions and terms of reference. Queensland public sector workers can confirm their entitlements through their enterprise agreement or by contacting their union.