From Tuesday, the amount of Paid Parental Leave available to families in the Bendigo electorate increases to 24 weeks, giving parents an extra 2 weeks to spend with their newest family member.

The amount of Paid Parental Leave parents can take off at the same time will also increase from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Thanks to the Government’s reforms, Paid Parental Leave will continue to expand to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026.

In a huge step to help close the gender gap in retirement incomes, superannuation will now also be paid on government Paid Parental Leave. The 12 per cent contribution, based on the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee that also starts from 1 July, will be paid as a contribution to their nominated superannuation fund.

Parents in the Bendigo electorate will also benefit from an increase in the weekly payment rate of Paid Parental Leave, increasing from $915.80 to $948.10 in line with the increase to the National Minimum Wage. This means a total increase of $775.20 over the 24-week entitlement.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

“Working parents across Australia are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest additions to their families and to Paid Parental Leave reforms.

“Investing in more generous and flexible Paid Parental Leave is a no-brainer.

“For the first time ever, superannuation will be paid on Paid Parental Leave because Australian women told us they were worried about poverty in retirement and were sick of being penalised for parenting.

“It was a Labor Government – the Gillard Government - that introduced Paid Parental Leave in this country, and when the Liberals and Nationals had their chance they tried to roll it back.

“Only Labor will protect and expand Paid Parental Leave.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP:

“Taking time to spend time with your newborn should not be a luxury- it’s a right everyone in the Bendigo electorate deserves. 

"Increasing Paid Parental Leave to 24 weeks and paying super on that leave sends a powerful message: caring for family should never come at the expense of your financial security later in life.

“This milestone change in how Paid Parental Leave is delivered in Australia will help bridge the gap in super outcomes for women and men.

“It’s a step toward a more equal Australia.”