Labor announces boost in taxpayer-funded paid parental leave to 26 weeks by 2026

Leave is set to increase by two weeks a year from the present scheme of 18 weeks at minimum wage and can be split between partners

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Commonwealth-funded paid parental leave will be increased to six months over the next four years with the Albanese government hailing the boost as the biggest change to the program since its inception.

In a pre-budget announcement, Labor said that from 2024 the government would add two weeks of paid parental leave (PPL) to the scheme each year until it reaches 26 weeks by 2026. The six months could be split between the parents of a newborn.

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