Paid Parental Leave

The Government is building a stronger economy that delivers a fairer share for Australian families through our historic Paid Parental leave scheme.
The Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme is:
  • Financially responsible
  • Fair to business and fair for families
  • Delivering paid parental leave to nearly 150,000 eligible parents every year, and
  • Will come into effect from 1 January next year – it is real commitment not just a thought bubble

The scheme will provide the primary carer with 18 weeks post-natal leave, paid at the adult federal minimum wage (rising to $570 per week in July)

Non-working mothers, subject to the relevant means test, will continue to receive the $5000 Baby Bonus ($5300 from 1 July) and related family payments

The Labor Government’s scheme will be available to 148,000 new parents per year

This is expected to increase the average length of leave taken by employed women after childbirth by around 10 weeks meaning more time for families at home together

The Government’s scheme is based closely on the expert recommendations of the Productivity Commission

The scheme is Government funded, and will cost, in net terms, approximately $260 million per annum