Paid Parental Leave changes have passed the Senate. The legislation gives more families access to the payment, gives parents increased flexibility in how they take leave and encourages parents to share care to promote gender equality.

The changes will make it easier for parents to take Parental Leave Pay, with either parent able to claim first. Parents will also be able to access the entitlement in multiple blocks, as small as one day, with periods of work in between.

The changes will come into effect for parents whose children are born or adopted from 1 July 2023. Single parents will now be able to receive the full 20-week entitlement, up from 18 weeks currently.

Parents can Pre-claim up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption so there is no delay to receiving payment. Pre-claims under the improved scheme will be open from the end of March.

More information about the Government's Paid Parental Leave changes can be found on the Department of Social Services website.