Can I return with reduced hours?
Parental leave and employment protection act 1987, s 69AAC
You can ask your employer to reduce your hours of work and your employer must consider your request. You should make the request in writing and be specific about how you like to reduce your hours (for example, by saying that you want to work 9 am to 4 pm).
If your employer refuses your request, they have to tell you why they cannot give you reduced hours.