10.1 This clause applies to employees who are lactating mothers. A lactation break is provided for breastfeeding, expressing milk or other activity necessary to the act of breastfeeding or expressing milk and is in addition to any other rest period and meal break as provided for in this award.

10.2 A full-time employee or a part-time employee working more than 4 hours per day is entitled to a maximum of two paid lactation breaks of up to 30 minutes each per day.

10.3 A part-time employee working 4 hours or less on any one day is entitled to only one paid lactation break of up to 30 minutes on any day so worked.

10.4 A flexible approach to lactation breaks can be taken by mutual agreement between an employee and their supervisor provided the total lactation break time entitlement is not exceeded. When giving consideration to any such requests for a flexibility, a supervisor needs to balance the operational requirements of the organisation with the lactating needs of the employee.

10.5 The Department must provide access to a suitable, private space with comfortable seating for the purpose of breastfeeding or expressing milk.

10.6 Other suitable facilities, such as refrigeration and a sink, must be provided where practicable. Where it is not practicable to provide these facilities, discussions between the supervisor and employee will take place to attempt to identify reasonable alternative arrangements for the employee's lactation needs.

10.7 Employees experiencing difficulties in effecting the transition from home-based breastfeeding to the workplace will have telephone access in paid time to a free breastfeeding consultative service, such as that provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association's Breastfeeding Helpline Service or the Public Health System.

10.8 Employees needing to leave the workplace during time normally required for duty to seek support or treatment in relation to breastfeeding and the transition to the workplace may utilise sick leave in accordance with subclause 17.9 Sick Leave of this award or, where applicable, through the operation of the provisions of subclause 8.4 of this award.