New laws introduced to federal parliament in October will allow for families to access 26 weeks of paid parental leave by 2026.

This is the largest increase to paid parental leave since the beginning of the scheme in 2011. This follows previous changes made by the Albanese Government that started from 1 July 2023, to make the scheme more accessible, flexible and gender-equitable.

Parents already have access to 20 weeks of paid leave, but under the changes that amount will increase by two weeks each year from July 2024, until the 26-week rate is reached in 2026.

Once the scheme is fully implemented from July 2026, the 26 weeks will be able to be shared by both parents. It also increases the number of weeks reserved for each parent to four weeks.

ACTU President Michele O’Neil welcomed the changes.

“After a decade of neglect by the previous government, this bill is a significant improvement by providing more paid leave and creating a more equal balance of caring responsibilities among parents,” she said.

“It’s not only a good policy for women, but it’s also a good economic policy that will boost the economy by supporting working families to share their skills and experience with the workforce.

“There is still more to be done to improve and expand Australia’s PPL scheme, including the extending of the scheme to 52 weeks, increasing the rate of pay from its low level of the National Minimum Wage, and paying superannuation on parental leave.”