I did this but I left work a week earlier than I had planned for Mat Leave so took that extra week as a mixture of sick leave and flexi leave. Once I have exhausted my Mat Leave entitlement, I am being paid my Annual Leave entitlement (because you keep accruing it whilst on Mat Leave) and then the remainder of my time off is leave without pay. I would definately check it out with the relevant body in your state - I can't imagine that there would be different rules for award Vs above award wage workers because that would be discrimination? I hope you can get some answers!

MG