The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety announced that paid parental leave payments will increase from July 1, 2024, with the maximum weekly rate rising from $712.17 to $754.87 gross per week.

The increase is a legislated annual increase under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 and the increase is in line with increases to average weekly earnings.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said, “We know families are doing it hard right now. This coalition Government is committed to making sure that families and parents receive the support they need to give their new child the best start to life. Paid parental leave is one way that this is done.”

Eligible parents can receive payments for up to 26 weeks, and the minimum parental leave payment rate for self-employed parents will increase this year from $227 to $231.50 gross per week to reflect the minimum wage increase on 1 April this year.