Channel Seven Star Axed During Maternity Leave

Channel Seven news reporter Bethan Yeoman has revealed she was made redundant while on maternity leave as part of wider newsroom changes at the network. 

Bethan, who works as a journalist with 7NEWS Melbourne, has been on maternity leave after announcing the arrival of her first child earlier this year.

Posting to Instagram on Friday, the young journalist shared a heartfelt post about the shocking news, writing: 'Being made redundant on mat leave was not on my 2026 bingo card…'

'But all the greatest things that have happened in my career have come after set backs - so I know the best is yet to come,' she continued. 

She also paid tribute to her colleagues at Seven, writing: 'It's the people who make this job so special… and I'm just so grateful for all the amazing journos and cameramen I've worked so closely with over the years.' 

Despite the setback, Yeoman said she is optimistic about her future. 

'Looking forward to new opportunities, but for now I'm enjoying the greatest role there is - being a mum x' she added.

The post quickly drew a flood of comments from friends, colleagues and industry figures offering support and praise, with many describing her as a 'talented' journalist and wishing her success in her next chapter.

However, the announcement also sparked backlash and debate in the comments section, with some questioning how the decision was handled. 

One user asked bluntly: 'Is that legal?' while others criticised the optics of a redundancy during maternity leave.

Several commenters defended Yeoman and condemned the move, with one writing: 'That's disgraceful. These corporations push 'diversity' and pretend to be pro-women, but then this sort of attitude that working mums are so easily replaceable is a terrible look!'

Others called for stronger action, with another suggesting: 'Fairwork ASAP.'

Under Australian workplace law, employees on maternity leave are generally protected from discrimination and are entitled to return to their role or a comparable position, although redundancies can occur where employers can demonstrate genuine organisational restructuring.

 has been contacted for comment.

It is understood Melbourne news director Chris Salter informed Ms Yeoman of her redundancy.   

Bethan is the latest in a spate of young journalists who are .

Journalist Phoebe Worthley took to TikTok on on Thursday to announce she had been made redundant, sharing a video of herself crying in her car while Coldplay's Vida La Vida played. 

'Reminder to love every moment in your dream job because you could be made redundant at 4:48 on a random Thursday,' she wrote in the caption. 

Also among the latest casualties is former 7NEWS  reporter Inga Neilsen, who confirmed this week she had accepted a voluntary redundancy after more than six years with the network.

In Melbourne, longtime Channel Seven reporter Estelle Griepink also confirmed she was leaving after accepting a voluntary redundancy following 11 years at the network.

TV insiders said that Sydney reporter Grace Fitzgibbon, who recently welcomed her first child and is on maternity leave, is believed to be among those affected.

Young reporters Brianna Jackson and Amy Clements are also believed to be among staff nervously waiting to learn their fate as cuts continue to ripple through the business.

Their departures come as panic spreads through Seven newsrooms amid sweeping cuts linked to the newly merged Southern Cross Media empire, which now controls Seven West Media and Southern Cross Austereo.