Pregnancy and breastfeeding discrimination case studies

Case studies are provided to help explain the complaints process. They are intended as a guide only and should not be considered or used as legal advice. Outcomes from conciliation vary depending on individual circumstances. Parties to complaints should seek independent legal advice if they require advice about outcomes appropriate to their circumstances. Before lodging a complaint, please speak with an enquiries officer on 1800 670 812.

Employment

Job offer withdrawn
February 2025: Thùy* applied for a director of communications and engagement role.
Pressured to reduce number of feeds
August 2024: Aisha* worked as an early childhood educator.
Removed from work roster
August 2024: Michelle* is employed as a housekeeper at a holiday park.
Employment terminated while on parental leave
August 2024: Rosanne* was employed in a full time capacity when she became pregnant.
Employer stopped allocating work after worker’s pregnancy
July 2024: Alphonsine* was employed as a casual disability support worker.
Return to work denied after pregnancy
April 2023: Natalia’s employer did not keep her position for her to return to after having a baby.
Offered junior role when returning from maternity leave
Jan 2023: When Heidi returned to work from maternity leave her employer offered her a junior role.
Dismissed from work while undertaking IVF treatment
November 2022: Nadia* was trying to fall pregnant while working at a large organisation.
Pregnant worker humiliated by manager
February 2020: Adah* worked in an office and was 32 weeks pregnant with her second child.
Apprentice had trouble returning to work
September 2014: Kathy* was 18 and worked as an apprentice with a major retailer.
Felt pressured to resign
September 2014: Fatima* worked as a cook at a club.

Education

University exam arrangements for breastfeeding students
August 2016: Anissa* is a young university student.

Goods and services

Told not to breastfeed baby
June 2016: Marg* was told not to breastfeed her baby while visiting a government-run institution.

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