In 2021, Labor published its National Platform that included a
goal for parents to access 26 weeks of paid parental leave. Despite
calls from many advocacy groups, Labor dropped this policy from its
agenda prior to this year's election.
An increase to paid parental leave was also discussed during
Labor's recent Jobs Summit and was supported by unions and
business groups. However, this proposal was not listed as one of
the Summit's outcomes. Prime Minister Albanese did note that
extending paid parental leave to 26 weeks was "worthy of
consideration", but would be difficult to implement in
October, due to budget constraints.
Independent crossbenchers Zali Stegall, Allegra Spender and
Kylea Tink supported an increase in paid parental leave, urging the
Government to act within the next 24 months. Fellow Independent,
Senator David Pocock has also made his stance clear, "the
community wants this to happen, the unions want this to happen,
business wants this to happen,
