A new mother who was forced to pump breastmilk in a storeroom and stash it in an ice‑filled suitcase at work has won a stunning legal victory against a foreign consulate. When Ms Duarte requested 14 weeks of paid parental leave from late December, Consul General Dr Al Mulla allegedly refused and instructed her to begin her leave earlier, on December 1. In March 2021, she applied for an additional 20 weeks of unpaid parental leave, but that request was also rejected. Then, on May 20, Dr Al Mulla directed Ms Duarte to return to work the following day -this time in the role of a butler. Ms Duarte, who has Colombian heritage, said it was an 'ordeal' fighting for justice and her rights as an Australian worker.

Source: Daily Mail February 25, 2026 10:02 UTC