Firstly, I thank the member for Canberra for moving this motion and for her strong advocacy on behalf of families. Paid parental leave changes lives. It gives parents precious time with their newborns, it gives children the best start in life and it gives families the support they need when it matters most. That's why Labor introduced paid parental leave, and it's why this government, the Albanese Labor government, is strengthening it. When families thrive, Australia thrives.
On 1 July this year, Australian families experienced the biggest improvements in paid parental leave for more than a decade. Parents now have an extra two weeks of leave, and next year they will gain another two weeks. By 2026, families will be entitled to a full six months of paid parental leave, an invaluable six months where parents can focus on their children without the stress of juggling work and family pressures. At the same time, payments will be higher. Since we came to government in 2022, families have been around $12,000 better off—about $200 more each week. In my electorate of Corangamite, almost $24 million of paid parental leave was claimed in the last financial year. That is a real relief at a time when every dollar counts. For the first time, superannuation is also being paid on paid parental leave. On average, it means $4,500 more in super, delivering greater financial security in later life. As part of our changes, there is now more flexibility. Parents can now take leave together to care for a newborn—it makes sense—and more families are eligible thanks to higher thresholds. These are game-changing reforms. In short, they mean more time, more money, more super, more flexibility, more support and, importantly, less stress for families.
In my electorate, I recently spoke to a young couple who told me how the extra weeks of leave meant that they could both be at home when their child arrived early. 'It's been an absolute godsend,' they said. At a recent market, another mum said the superannuation change would help to build her retirement savings. These are the real stories behind the policy—a policy that is designed to support families and give children the best start in life. Let us remember that none of this was guaranteed. The Liberals' costings at the last election showed cuts in paid parental leave, and, when we recall the member for Goldstein dismissing the scheme as—and I quote—'very bad' and declaring, 'It is not my choice that women have children,' those comments go to values. On this side of the chamber, we are clear: children are the greatest gift, families deserve respect and support, and governments should be there to back them in. Paid parental leave also benefits business. When parents can take time at home and then return to work with confidence, businesses keep skills and our economy keeps talent. Paying super also narrows the retirement gap. Expanding leave lifts retention. Flexibility helps mums and dads take time too.
This is not a handout; this is a helping hand. It levels the playing field, and it goes to the value of fairness, a value shared by all Australians. It's a value that underpins the Albanese government's broader plan to help Australians get ahead. We have made child care cheaper so returning to work is easier and more affordable. We've lifted wages and supported secure jobs because family budgets depend on a decent pay. We've invested in Medicare because health should never be a luxury.
In closing, Labor's agenda—and our Paid Parental Leave scheme in particular—means more time, more money, or super, more flexibility and more families supported. But, more than that, it's a statement about who we are: a nation that values families and cares for our youngest Australians, and a government that backs parents. The Albanese government promised to strengthen paid parental leave, and we're delivering it in full and on time, because we believe that, when you support families, children get the best start in life and our nation is stronger.
