The PSA CPSU NSW has supported a call by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to introduce 10 days of paid reproductive health leave for all workers.

“Some of our members covered by Fair Work, such as Aware Super and some universities, already have these provisions,” said PSA CPSU NSW Women’s Industrial Officer.

However, we are pushing to get these entitlements into Awards covered by the Industrial Relations Commission, too.”

Some workers have secured paid reproductive health leave through union-negotiated collective agreements, but most Australians have no dedicated right to take time off for their reproductive health needs. As a result, workers either use personal leave or go unpaid to manage routine and serious health issues.

The Queensland Government already provides 10 days of paid reproductive health leave to its public workforce, but no national standard exists.

The ACTU submitted a proposal to the federal parliamentary inquiry into the National Employment Standards (NES), calling for a dedicated entitlement to reproductive health leave.

The NES guarantees personal and carer’s leave, but does not cover reproductive health, despite the widespread impact of reproductive health issues impacting workers, couples, and families.

“Reproductive health affects all workers, regardless of their gender,” said ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien. “Whether you’re going through IVF, attending a prostate cancer screening, or managing endometriosis, these are important health issues that should never cause financial stress.

“Early intervention saves lives. Right now, Australians are delaying screenings, pushing through pain, and working while unwell because they can’t afford to run down their leave balance. This only creates more serious health problems down the track and keeps people away from work for longer.

“The evidence is clear: giving people paid time off to manage their health improves long-term well-being and lifts productivity.”