QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:11): I thank Senator Ghosh for that supplementary as well. There were important changes that came into effect on 1 July this year so parents will have more time with their new baby or their adopted child.

They'll be able to access up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, giving families more time at home at that really important time for families, and more money. Parents receiving paid parental leave will receive a higher rate from 1 July, increasing to more than a thousand dollars a week. Parents have also received super on their paid parental leave since 1 July last year, and more people will be eligible for PPL because the eligibility annual income limits have risen.

These are really important changes to the PPL system recognising families at that time when they're adding a new member to their family so they can get that increased support both in time available and in the amount that they are financially supported during that time.