A study was made to obtain a broad overview of the operation of maternity leave in Australia from the perspectives of employees and employers. The study included: (1) an employee survey exploring the use and non-use of maternity leave and identifying determinants of taking maternity leave and of retaining women in the labor force after childbirth; (2) a private sector employer survey investigating the taking of maternity leave in different industries and businesses of various sizes, and identifying advantages and disadvantages of maternity leave for private sector employers; and (3) a smaller study of use of maternity leave in the public sector. A total of 2012 Australian women who had given birth during the last week of May, 1984 were surveyed 18 months after the birth. Of these women, 921 were employed during their pregnancy. Numerous findings are discussed. Although maternity leave was found to be common in the public sector, it was used by a minority in the private sector and was a rarity in organizations with less than 100 employees. Several issues regarding the adequacy of maternity leave provisions in Australia were identified. These issues warrant consideration from government, unions, and employers. Thirty-seven tables and 12 figures, as well as several black and white photographs are included, and attitude scales and questionnaires are appended. (RH)