Australia expands paid parental leave to 26 weeks from July 2026

Parents welcoming a child from 1 July 2026 will receive an extra 10 days of government-funded paid parental leave, according to an official Instagram post by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The increase lifts the scheme from 120 to 130 days, giving eligible families up to 26 weeks of paid leave through Centrelink.

The move forms part of the Federal Government's efforts to support working families and promote shared caregiving responsibilities.

More leave reserved for partners

The number of leave days reserved for a partner or second parent will increase from 15 to 20 days.

These days it will continue to operate on a "use it or lose it" basis and cannot be transferred to the primary carrer. Single parents will remain eligible for the full entitlement.

Superannuation boost continues

The latest changes build on reforms introduced in July 2025, when the Federal Government began paying a 12% superannuation contribution on Parental Leave Pay.

According to Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will pay the contribution directly into recipients' superannuation funds after the end of each financial year. The first payments are scheduled from July 2026.

Parents who share Parental Leave Pay will each receive superannuation contributions on their share of the payment.

Automatic update for pre-birth claims

As Services Australia reported, parents who lodge a pre-birth claim before 1 July 2026 will initially receive a balance of 120 leave days.

Once proof of birth or adoption confirms the child arrived on or after 1 July 2026, an additional 10 days will be automatically added. No new claim will be required.

Concerns over reserved leave

Family advocates have welcomed the expansion, but concerns remain over the reserved partner leave component.

Because Parental Leave Pay is paid at the National Minimum Wage, some higher-income households may find it difficult for the second parent to take extended leave. As a result, some reserved days may go unused.

Australia still trails OECD average

The reforms come as Australia seeks to address historically low birth rates and improve workforce participation and gender equality outcomes.

However, Australia's paid parental leave scheme remains below the OECD average of 50 weeks. Unlike many comparable countries, payments are not linked to a worker's previous salary.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify, parents must be Australian residents and meet work and income requirements. They must also register the birth or adoption of their child and not work on the days they claim leave payments, subject to certain exceptions.

For the 2024-25 financial year, applicants must earn less than A$180,007 individually or A$360,014 as a family.

The changes were announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while implementation details were outlined by Services Australia and the Australian Taxation Office.