New South Wales is set to introduce an Australian-first bereavement leave policy to women who suffer miscarriages or stillbirths.
The Australian reports women who miscarry or whose children are stillborn will receive five days off work on full pay if they work in the public sector.
Men will also be eligible for the time off, regardless of whether they are also in the public sector.
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Conversations are underway to expand the landmark policy to include some private-sector employers.
A stillbirth is defined as the loss or death of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy, while a miscarriage the loss or death of a baby before 20 weeks.
Women who give birth to premature babies will be able to get 'additional premature birth leave' as well as their existing paid parental leave. That will kick into gear once their baby would have reached their full term.
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At the moment, there is no financially supported method of leave for instances like this. Women can take unpaid special maternity leave if they suffer a miscarriage or lose a child to stillbirth within the first 24 months of life, but they aren't able to still get paid while they grieve.
It's hoped this new policy will end that additional stress while they come to terms with their loss. Women who terminate a pregnancy won't be eligible for this paid leave scheme.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet told The Australian: "NSW will lead the country with these provisions, and we believe other states and the private sector will follow. These are timely and important programs for people during what is one of the most difficult of times."
He will outline the policy when he delivers the New South Wales budget later today (June 22). In his speech, he will explain how important it is to support would-be mums and dads during a heart-wrenching moment in their lives.
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"Having a miscarriage is not an illness; it is a loss that should be recognised," he will say.
The bereavement leave has already been approved by the NSW government's Expenditure Review Committee. It needs to now be sent to the state cabinet for it to be formally approved and implemented.
It's expected to cost the public sector up to $12 million per year, however will be wholly dependant on how many staff members need it.
This policy comes after New Zealand introduced a country-wide initiative earlier this year.
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Kiwi politicians voted unanimously in favour of the bill that will offer three days of bereavement leave if someone experiences a stillbirth or miscarriage.
The policy will apply to mothers, their partners, and parents who are planning on welcoming a baby via adoption or surrogacy.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia