Your rights when you return from parental leave

Returning to work

When you go on leave, it’s a good idea to keep in contact with your employer or manager. Before you return to work, talk with your manager about your role and responsibilities you’ll have back at work.

Generally, when you return to work after a long break, you’re entitled to the same job you did before you went on leave. If that job isn’t available, you should be offered an available position you’re suitable for.

Find out about returning to work from parental leave on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Breastfeeding

You have a right to breastfeed or express milk in the workplace. You can ask for a private room where you can be comfortable. The room should have amenities for you to store your breastmilk.

You should also be given appropriate breaks so you can breastfeed or express.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has information about returning to work and breastfeeding.

The Supporting Working Parents website gives information about your rights:

• breastfeeding
• during parental leave
• when you’re returning to work.

Changing hours and flexible working

As you return to work, you may find you need to change your work hours or ask for a flexible arrangement.

Flexible working arrangements include:

• working part-time hours
• scheduling different work breaks
• changing starting and finishing times
• working from home.

Find out about flexible working arrangements on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.