Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Hansard source

I am very pleased to inform the Senate that almost 31,000 parents are currently receiving paid parental leave payments—right now. Since paid parental leave began on 1 January this year, more than 69,000 Australian parents have applied in total, including casual workers, part-time workers, the self-employed and also contractors. Parents who are eligible will receive up to 18 weeks paid parental leave at the national minimum wage, currently around $590 per week.

Our paid parental leave system has been good for families, helping parents to take time off work to recover and to care for and bond with their new baby. Since 1 July, employers are able to pay the government paid parental leave through their usual pay cycle, and there is no need for special bank accounts or special reports. It is worth noting that the Productivity Commission reco­mmended the employer role in this scheme because it would help business retain skilled staff. In terms of alternative approaches, despite this historic reform, I note there is an alternative approach— (Time expired)