Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question as to the Minister for Social Services. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting Australian families? What's been the response to the Albanese Labor government's legislation to pay superannuation on paid parental leave?

Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to thank the member for her question and for her tireless work for families in the electorate of Werriwa. Today is an important day for Australian families. This morning I introduced legislation into the parliament to pay superannuation on government paid parental leave. This reform is good for families, good for women and good for the economy, and we are proud to be legislating it.

Through paid parental leave the government supports parents to take a step back from paid work, and through this bill we are taking action to not only provide critical financial support when a new baby arrives but also boost retirement savings. With this measure, from July 2025 around 180,000 families each year who receive government paid parental leave will have a superannuation contribution of 12 per cent paid directly into their super account. This is the third tranche of our government's historic reform to paid parental leave, an investment totalling $2.3 billion, which has given families more access, has made it more flexible, has made it easier to share care and is more generous, with the expansion to six months by 2026.

I've been asked what the response to this morning's legislation has been. Earlier today I had the opportunity, along with the Treasurer and the Minister for Finance, to meet Canberra mum Aisling and her kids, Leo and Josie. Aisling told me, 'I come from an early childhood background and know the importance of that extra time with children and that extra super that is now going to be there.' We've seen many groups welcome this announcement and the introduction of this important bill. The Business Council of Australia called it 'the right thing to do for both women and the economy'. The ACTU called it 'a historic step in achieving gender equality in retirement'. Georgie Dent from the Parenthood said, 'Paying super on paid parental leave would be a game changer for families across Australia, with a significant win for gender equality.' The Super Members Council have also welcomed our bill, saying, 'This historical reform will make a vast difference to the lives and retirement incomes of generations of Australian women.'

When we announced our commitment to paid super on paid parental leave, the opposition provided lukewarm support, and I urge them to get behind this legislation in the Senate and get this done. We know that investing in paid parental leave is an investment in Australian families, in women's economic security and in the broader economy. I look forward to seeing this come to fruition.