Parental Leave that is paid by the government will increase from the current 20 weeks to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026, as follows:
- From 1 July 2024 to 22 weeks
- From 1 July 2025 to 24 weeks
- From 1 July 2026 to 26 weeks
By 2026, a total of 4 weeks will be reserved for each parent on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis (currently 2 weeks is reserved). This will help to encourage greater sharing of care responsibilities.
To view further detail about government paid Parental Leave, click here and here.