I will always fight to give women and families more choice and flexibility.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to better support Australian families by expanding Paid Parental Leave (PPL). From 1 July 2024, Paid Parental Leave will increase from 20 to 24 weeks, as we work towards a full 26-week scheme by July 2026.

This means families will have more time at home with their newborn or newly adopted child, with government-funded leave payments providing up to $24,000 once the scheme is fully rolled out. Expanding PPL to a full six months is about giving families greater financial security and more flexibility to care for their children.

From July 2025, superannuation will be paid on Paid Parental Leave for the first time. This reform, backed by a $1.1 billion investment in the 2024-25 Budget, will see eligible parents receive a superannuation contribution equal to 12 per cent of their PPL payments. This is a critical step towards closing the gender gap in retirement savings, as the majority of Paid Parental Leave recipients are women.

Labor’s reforms build on changes that have made Paid Parental Leave more flexible, easier to share between parents, and better suited to modern families. These improvements support parents as they return to work and encourage the fairer sharing of care responsibilities.

The increase in Paid Parental Leave means Australian families will be around $2,500 better off.

We know that care work is real work. These changes recognise the vital role parents play in raising the next generation while ensuring they don’t fall behind financially. Providing superannuation on Paid Parental Leave and expanding the scheme to six months will give parents greater financial security and more options when balancing work and family life.

Find out more at the Department of Social Services website.