Parental Leave Entitlements: An overview

[mummytash]

Hi girls,

Question from me-

I have recently begun FT employment (with company for 2 months) and have found out unexpectedly that I am pregnant... just over 4 wks My baby is due in mid September. According to my calculations I have worked out that I will by then have been in my position for a full 9 months... do I fall short of the 12 months minimum for maternity leave entirely? Or, fingers crossed, will they put off paying me for the first 3 months (and I'll take unpaid leave) and once I'm on there books officially for a year even though I'm on leave, start paying my maternity leave for the remainder of my time off? IYKWIM...
Also, do they have the right to terminate my employment if I tell them I am pregnant while I'm still on probation? My probation period goes for 6 months. I will most likely be showing by June, you'd think :P I'm more worried about telling them this and then getting fired
All feedback welcome!
Thanks in advance

[CoNNiE_Melb]

They can't fire you for being pregnant, even if you are within your probation period - that's discrimination.

[briggsy's girl]

i doubt any employer will hold your positiong for an additional 3 months and then start paying you maternity payments - you will have only 9 months service - they MAY keep your position for you to return to, but i doubt they will be under any obligation to do so

[mummytash]

i doubt any employer will hold your positiong for an additional 3 months and then start paying you maternity payments - you will have only 9 months service - they MAY keep your position for you to return to, but i doubt they will be under any obligation to do so

Just trying to understand better... by under 'no obligation' you mean that they have the right to fire me once I need begin my leave, because I have not been there for 12 months? And I don't have the right to even take 'unpaid' leave? (Sorry, just I'm wanting to know what I am legally entitled to not what they may choose to do)

Thanks!

[briggsy's girl]

it will be part of your agreement - i believe employers with employees of over 12 months have to hold their position for them - if you've been there less than 12 months, they are under no obligation to offer you employment again after your baby is born

[buliej]

I have a question re: immunization allowance - if you are not eligible for any of the other monetary benefits mentioned, does that mean that you aren't eligible for the immunization allowance as well or is the immunization allowance not means tested?

[briggsy's girl]

not means tested
just make sure you put in an application before bub hits 2 years old

[sarah85]

My understanding RE immunisation allowance is that it is NOT means tested - I got the first half of mine (approx $125.00) once my daughter had her 18mth needles, and will get the other half once we've completed more of them (next ones aren't due until 4). I think that's right - please correct me if I'm wrong.

[briggsy's girl]

it's after 18 months provided you've done 12 month jabs or signed conscientious objection form