Previous Client Work and Achievements

 

* Commonwealth Department Onsite Inspection and Audit: Conducted an onsite inspection and audit of a breastfeeding/expressing lactation room, evaluating amenities, dimensions, spacings, facilities, comfort, and aesthetic level. This assessment was part of the accreditation process with the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA).

* Validation of Employee Offerings and Compliance: Provided validation of breastfeeding offerings to employees and verified compliance with workplace regulations regarding amenities, facilities, time, and private spaces for women breastfeeding. This resulted in the organization’s accreditation/reaccreditation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.

* Breastfeeding Policy/Practice and Procedure Consultation: Collaborated with a major hospital in Queensland to advise on breastfeeding policy, practice, and procedure. This involved careful consideration of the organization’s needs and concerns, as communicated by the organization. The advice provided empowered the organization to formulate policy and procedures to address the identified issues.

* Seminar Presentations: Delivered seminar presentations to Health Professionals and staff of a major hospital in the ACT on breastfeeding laws, breastfeeding at work, and informed consent of parents in the use of infant formula. These presentations contributed to the organization’s practice and procedures knowledge bank and raised awareness of breastfeeding laws in the workplace and the treatment of employees by those not breastfeeding. These efforts fostered improved workplace supportive cultures.

* Doctorate Degree in Australian Workplace Laws Relating to Breastfeeding at Work: Earned a Doctorate Degree in Australian Workplace Laws Relating to Breastfeeding at Work from the University of Queensland (TC Beirne School of Law).

Written Submission to the Productivity Commission

On behalf of the American Bar Association (ABA), I am writing to address the legal entitlements of women to breastfeed or express breastmilk during work shifts. I urge the Productivity Commission to consider the health and well-being of women when designing work shifts, ensuring that they are respectful and provide the necessary psychosocial support.

Background

I am the co-founder of Breastfeeding Advocacy Australia, an unincorporated association with a growing national presence. I have also founded, convened, and administered the ‘Breastfeeders at Work in Australia’ Facebook group, which was created in 2015. Additionally, I am a content writer and adviser for a chapter in Breastfeeding Management in Australia, edited by Dr. Wendy Brodribb, and published in the 5th edition of the book (2019). The chapter focuses on breastfeeding at work, international standards, Australian laws, and employer accommodations.

Presentations and Publications

I have also presented at the Regulating Decent Work conference in Geneva, comparing Australia’s breastfeeding workplace laws to those of the Philippines. In 2016, I published an article on breastfeeding in public and work in Essence Magazine, which was circulated to 12,000 members.

Conclusion

I believe that the Productivity Commission should prioritize the health and well-being of women in the workplace by considering their legal entitlements to breastfeed or express breastmilk. I urge you to take action to address this issue and ensure that all women have equal opportunities in the workplace.

Joint Project Work with the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QLHC) - Collaboration

In collaboration with the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QLHC), representing the American Bar Association (ABA), we have engaged in content creation and advisory services. Our objective was to co-develop a pamphlet that would raise awareness about the breastfeeding rights of women in Queensland. The pamphlet would address the rights of women to breastfeed or express in public or at work. Additionally, we created a card for breastfeeding women to distribute to individuals who may approach them or express negative sentiments about breastfeeding or expressing, particularly during instances of breastfeeding in public or at work.

Content and Advisory Services for the ABA’s ‘Returning to Work and Breastfeeding’ Booklet

We provided content and advisory services to revise the ABA’s ‘Returning to Work and Breastfeeding’ booklet, which focuses on breastfeeding at work and relevant legal aspects.

Peer Support for Women in SE Queensland and Nationally

For nearly two decades, I have been a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the ABA, leading a team, providing peer support to women in the community in Southeast Queensland. This support has taken various forms, including in-person leadership of information and support groups and through the Breastfeeding Helpline, a phone-based service that offers support to women in need.

State Grants Coordinator (QLD)

From 2013 to 2018, I served as the State Grants Coordinator for Queensland, responsible for overseeing group grant applications, approving applications, managing the acquittal process, and liaising with Group Leaders to secure increased funding and asset acquisition for the community.

Solicitor

Over the years, I have engaged in thousands of conversations with workers and employers, addressing various issues that affect both parties. My expertise includes handling cases involving small to medium-sized businesses.

Litigation Lawyer

In my capacity as a litigation lawyer, I have represented clients including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Child Support Agency (CSA).