STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator DOLEGA (Tasmania) (13:43): The first few months with a newborn are some of the most precious moments for parents—moments that only come around once. That's why, from 1 July, the Albanese Labor government expanded paid parental leave to 26 weeks, with eligible parents now receiving over $1,000 per week. This means that families receiving the full amount will receive almost $30,000 across the duration of their paid parental leave.

We're also lifting the individual and family limits so more Australians can access paid parental leave. That's not all. From 1 July 2025, we made sure that eligible parents receive a superannuation contribution equal to 12 per cent of their paid PPL payments.

This is a huge step forward towards closing the gender pay gap in retirement savings, as most paid parental leave recipients are women. When we came into office, eligible families could only access a total of 20 weeks paid parental leave and they didn't receive superannuation contributions. The Albanese Labor government's expansion of paid parental leave is real.

It's an important change that delivers more time, more money and a higher number of people eligible. This is great for our parents, great for our kids and great for the economy. Unfortunately, you've got the right-wing rabble, the 'uniparty' over there led by One Nation, who have questioned why people should be paid if they're not at work.

They've even said that women get pregnant just for money. Disgusting! But, unlike the three right-wing parties, the Albanese government will always look after Australian families.

It was Labor that created paid parental leave in 2011, and it's the Albanese Labor government that's continuing to strengthen it for all Australian families, because every Australian should be able to spend more treasured time with their newborns.