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Determined to spare other families the heartache they endured, Priya’s parents took action following their own devastating experience.
Priya entered the world prematurely in June 2024, at barely 25 weeks gestation, and tragically passed away just 42 days later.
Their grief was compounded when the company where Priya’s mother had loyally worked for 11 years revoked her pre-approved three-month paid parental leave.
Instead, she was granted only a month of personal leave, while her husband, Chris Breen, was able to utilize his full parental leave benefits.
Unfortunately, the company’s actions, though harsh, were within legal boundaries.
What started as an online petition became legislation this week after Baby Priya’s Bill passed federal parliament, preventing workplaces from cancelling paid parental leave if an employee experiences stillbirth or infant loss.
Priya’s mum said she felt a vast range of emotions, from being relieved parliament had voted in support, to being sad because her advocacy had been a way to love and demonstrate her love to Priya.
“Her name is law,” she told 9news.com.au.
“There were moments in my life where I felt her life was not validated by others, and to have her name as law and her light shine on forever is something I am so grateful for.
“She lived on earth for only 42 days, but her love, light, and essence will live on forever through Baby Priya’s Bill.”
Priya’s mum said a part of her knew her situation would “hit a nerve” with Australians, while Breen said the support they received had “overwhelmed” them.
“It’s not just about grieving parents, it’s a woman’s issue as well,” Priya’s mum said.
More than 17 months on from Priya’s death, the pair continue to make time to remember her every Sunday at the time she passed away.
“Priya has left a lasting impact on me. She is a part of me, and I may not be able to carry her in my arms, but I carry her in my heart and always will. She made me a mother, and for that I will forever be grateful to her,” Priya’s mum said.
“Memory is a strange thing, and sometimes the strongest memories of Priya come when I am not intentionally thinking about her at all,” Breen said.
Now that their fight is over, Priya’s parents are looking forward to some much-needed rest.
“I started my advocacy work about eight months into her passing, and so now I am going to take this time to think of her, love her, grieve her, and just be,” Priya’s mum said.
“We are looking forward to the summer holidays, relaxing, spending time with family and doing the things we enjoy,” Breen said.
Priya’s mum hurt by ‘derogatory’ comments
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth welcomed the bill, saying it filled an “inconsistency” in the previous legislation.
“This is a good day for parents, and I hope not only gives people rights in this circumstance but brings out of the shadows a conversation about stillbirth and early death,” she said at a press conference.
While the bill was largely supported by all sides of parliament, a small minority of the opposition, including Andrew Hastie, Barnaby Joyce, and Henry Pike, argued the law could be used by those who have had a late-term abortion.
Priya’s mum said she was hurt by the “derogatory” comments.
“I am deeply disappointed by some over the past few days who have tried to turn Priya’s Bill into something it is not,” she said.
“Their words were hurtful, and it was shocking to see the discussion take such an absurd direction.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley today criticised the comments from members within the Coalition, labelling them as “insensitive”.
“Losing a baby is one of the most difficult things that can ever happen to a mother and to a family. And as a mother and a grandmother, this is very personal,” she told ABC.
Priya’s mum said: “Politicians like this should not be in parliament.”
*Priya’s mum has asked not to be named.