Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the motion moved by the Minister for Social Services, the honourable member for Kingston, who has been in this place for quite a while—about the same time as me, in fact, so happy anniversary, Minister! It's funny that I have to make this speech after that presentation by the member for Deakin, bizarre speech that it was. It sounded like there was an ambulance circling Parliament House; it just wailed on and on for nearly 18 minutes.

It was unbelievable. He had only two things to say, and he just kept saying them over and over again like an ambulance coming in and out of hearing—unbelievable.

A government member: A wambulance!

Yes, a wambulance—I'll take that interjection from the whip. But this is the serious business of government, and we have a shadow minister who has nothing positive to contribute other than some silly motion saying, 'Weren't we wonderful?'

The bill that the minister has put forward will implement the second tranche of the Albanese government's paid parental leave reform. It is great Labor policy, something to be proud of, a reform that is vital for families, vital for women and vital for the economy—three things that were ignored by the shadow minister, the member for Deakin. Paid parental leave is a cornerstone of Labor policy, and the Albanese government will always ensure that Aussie families get the support they deserve. The continued investment in and expansion of paid parental leave represents a commitment made and fulfilled by the Albanese government. It is a commitment to families, a commitment to the future of young Australians and a commitment to increasing gender equality, something that is good for productivity. This bill builds on our record of supporting Aussie families and is critical to increasing our productivity and fostering a modern Australia. Investing in paid parental leave benefits our economy, and we know that when it's done right it can advance gender equality.

This bill extends the Paid Parental Leave scheme from 20 to 26 weeks, giving more support to parents at a vital stage of life. This bill also increases the reservation period for the dad or partner from two to four weeks and doubles the period where parents can take simultaneous leave from two to four weeks. These additions make it easier for partners to take a larger role in the caring responsibilities and for families to have more flexibility in their caring situation.

Labor is committed to modernising our policy and ensuring that the system of paid parental leave is equitable and, most importantly, useful. Starting from 1 July next year, two additional weeks of leave will be added each year, reaching up to 26 weeks in 2026. The increases in total amount of paid leave and the amount that can be taken simultaneously provide critical additional support to mums after childbirth and allow for far more flexibility when it comes to divvying up the caring responsibilities. The increase in the reservation period from two to four weeks allows for partners to take a more active role in child care. Single parents will have access to the full 26 weeks.

This Albanese government bill not only gives support to dual-parent household; it also helps single parents by allowing them to take that full amount of leave. Single parents have a tough job raising a family and financially supporting them at the same time, so it's vital that we ensure that they have as much help as possible.

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