Nearly half of Australian mothers face workplace discrimination around motherhood
The Australian Human Rights Commission found 49 per cent of mothers experienced discrimination during pregnancy, parental leave, or return to work.
A Perth school demoted a woman from associate principal to music teacher after maternity leave, despite her lack of music qualifications. A Melbourne mother faced job loss threats if she did not arrange childcare when her son was hospitalised.
Such cases fill a new Australian Human Rights Commission report showing pregnancy discrimination remains a significant and widespread workplace issue in 2026. The number of complaints to the AHRC rose from 54 in 2021 to 72 in 2025.
Common patterns include sham redundancies during pregnancy or parental leave, reduced duties on return, and refusal of flexible work. About 91 per cent of mothers who experience discrimination do not lodge formal complaints, citing stress, fear of retaliation, or lack of legal awareness.
The AHRC made 18 recommendations, including banning indirect discrimination based on family responsibilities and removing the 12-month service requirement for unpaid parental leave.
- 49 per cent
- Mothers experiencing discrimination
- 91 per cent
- Who do not file complaints
- 54
- AHRC complaints 2021
- 72
- AHRC complaints 2025
Why it mattersWorkplace discrimination around motherhood limits women's career progress, income, and job security, and affects their decision to have more children.
AustraliaThese findings affect Australian women across all industries and states. The AHRC has called for changes to the Sex Discrimination Act, which would require parliament to act.
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