What are my rights?

[Claire]

I become a resident shortly and assume that this affords me the same or some of the same rights as a citizen?

I'm nearly 21 weeks pregnant and have discovered that my bosses have been asking my female colleagues on the quiet if they know my plans after I have this baby. Not that there is anything wrong with that but I would have preferred to have been asked directly. With my last child I was back to work 5 mornings a week at 3 months pp and have no intention of doing that again.

Whom would I speak to concerning my right to maternity leave etc? Does anyone have any advice on this?

When should I be thinking of telling them my plans? I feel that I am being a little pushed into telling them a lot earlier than I would prefer to. I wouldn't like to have to sit in the office with bosses that may of may not disapprove of my decision.

If I do go on the maximum amount of maternity leave, when would I have to tell them I had made the decision to not come back?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Pandora]

As I understand it, you are required by law to tell them at least 10 weeks before you plan to start your maternity leave.

I am not sure about when you would have to tell them if you are not going back, but I would think it would be the same notice as if you were resigning so whatever that is at your company?

[Karina]

At my work, I had to give 4 weeks notice as to whether or not I will be returning. So basically if I do return, I have to ring and tell them 4 weeks before and say I want to return, or I give 4 weeks notice of my resignation if I dont want to come back.
They told me this is "standard" so it might be the same rule for you too?
I had to give them 10 weeks notice of my intention to take leave, and then give them 4 weeks notice of the exact date I was starting my leave.
You can look on the industrial relations website for NSW and that will give you the info on what you should be entitled to.