Littlesprocket
A flyer just came around at work yesterday regarding the government's IR laws and employees rights. The most interesting one to me was:
You can't be fired for being pregnant or for being a carer for your child/ren

You can't be asked to go casual and as everyone else has said you lose ALL your rights the minute you do.
You need to inform your employer in writing at least 10 weeks before you plan to go on maternity leave. Even though you have told them verbally this is important.

Go the Australian Govt website and look through there ... that is where i found out everything. Maternity leave is covered under FEDERAL legislation and is not state based.

If you need any help with writing a letter or something, please let me know. I am not a professional, but I do work closely with our HR department so i get to know the things they are looking for.

BTW, most companies require you to finish up at 34 weeks - any longer than that and you need a doctor's letter. If you have a dr's letter, you can work as long as you like.

Sounds to me like your employer is just a bit stuck and doesn't really know what they have to do. Perhaps give them the benefit of the doubt and that they suggested casual as they thought it might make it easier for you ... that can perhaps help to calm the waters and make it easier when you want to negotiate things.

Good luck!