Australian Cricket's player parental leave policy focuses on the family

11 October, 2019

Australian Cricket today launched a landmark parental leave policy to support professional cricketers' through pregnancy, adoption, their return to play and parental responsibilities.

In partnership with the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and the players, consultation commenced in 2017 to develop a world leading parental leave policy providing all professional players peace of mind when starting a family.

For players who fall pregnant, they can transfer to a non-playing role until they give birth and be eligible for 12-months paid parental leave. They will also be guaranteed a contract extension for the following contract year, in line with their contractual arrangements.

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To the sporting world, it says Australian cricket is the most progressive in the world.

Other highlights of the policy include:

Players who have a partner who gives birth will be entitled to three weeks paid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child;

At any time after giving birth, the player can return to the game subject to medical clearance; and

Travel support for players who are primary carers including flights, accommodation and other applicable travel expenses for the child and a carer will be available until the child is four years of age.

Alyssa Healy, Australian cricketer said:

"As a player, I'm proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy.

"With the playing and travel demands on cricketers, I'm pleased this policy provides support to players, so if they choose to, can both care for their child and participate in the game.

"Seeing friends and family raise children, I know the physical and emotional toll parenting can have. The policy is a game changer for players planning for the future while providing job security.

Seeing friends and family raise children, I know the physical and emotional toll parenting can have. The policy is a game changer for players planning for the future while providing job security.

Alyssa Healy

"This policy is funded by the players, for the players for the future of the game."

Drew Ginn, Executive General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Australia said:
"High performance sport is anything but a normal work environment and our policies for our players need to reflect this.

"The job is physical, the hours irregular and 100 per cent commitment is expected at all times. This is why we've developed such a tailored policy taking into consideration all player and key stakeholder feedback.

"Like Alyssa, I'm proud to stand alongside this policy as yet another example of how Australian Cricket continues to lead the way."

Clea Smith, General Manager of Member Programs at the Australian Cricketers' Association said:
"This policy is the combination of three years of collaboration within Australian Cricket, the ACA and the players, and we're delighted with the outcome.

"This is a world-leading, player-centred policy providing balance in the lives of all players.

"The policy is designed to keep female players in the game for longer which will have a positive impact at all levels of the game."

Australian Cricket Parental Leave Policy

The Australian Cricketers' Association & Cricket Australia has launched a landmark paid parental leave policy, helping professional cricketers through pregnancy, adoption, their return to play and parental responsibilities.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
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The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.