QLD maternity leave

[Bellini]

I post this in another section but didn't get many responses, so i'm still a bit clueless. Hope someone can help me out!

I'm just wondering if anyone knows much about maternity leave in QLD? The directive for my paid parental leave states that an employee may access a second period of parental leave if they fall pregnant while already on parental leave. That's what happened to me :D

I'm due to return to work at the start of Feb but actually don't think I will (I have decided i'm not ready to leave DS in daycare just yet). I was going to hand in my letter of resignation, but then came across this directive.

Does it mean they can pay me a second lot of maternity leave for 6 months without me coming back?? Even if it's not right before my baby is due to be born?

[Pinkzy]

Hi - I'm not sure about this but I'm guessing Wageline would know, also the workplace Ombudsman would know so I would give them a call to ask. Hopefully they'll be able to shed some light on this for you :)

[zenifa]

You need to check with your employer and HR, as you need to let your employer know in writing (a certain number of weeks prior to your return date) that you are not returning to work on the agreed date. Plus you need to get doctor's letter (or OB) confirming the pregnancy and apply again for maternity/parental leave and you need to give them notice of the start date of that leave (for eg in govt it has been 10 weeks before the leave starts). They can give you another year of maternity leave but its dependant on your employer, HR and industrial relations award/conditions as to whether you will have any of that maternity leave paid. Check with the relevant people to be sure. Good luck

[Bellini]

Thanks for the advice :)

Pinkvanillaz - I rang wageline but they said they can't help me because i'm in state gov. Pfft :rolleyes:

Zenifa - I really want to ring my HR manager and just ask her but she is best friends with my boss and although it's meant to be confidential, I know she would tell her, and i'm hesitant to let them know i'm pregnant until i'm 100% sure what my rights are.

This is one giant headache. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and ring HR. Thanks again ladies :)

[Pinkzy]

Pinkvanillaz - I rang wageline but they said they can't help me because i'm in state gov. Pfft :rolleyes:

Oh man!! Typical LOL :D

Good luck with HR :)

[Bellini]

Thanks :D

[Lateralus]

I don't know if it's the same in QLD, but in NSW state health, you can only access your next lot of paid maternity leave from 16 weeks before the due date of your next bub!