Paid Parental Leave is expanding to 26 weeks by Wednesday 1 July 2026, giving families more support and time away from work. While the payments are government-funded, employers will need to manage longer employee absences.
Things employers need to action:
- Update parental leave policies.
- Plan workforce coverage during leave periods.
- Support employees returning to work with flexibility.
- Proactive planning will help you retain staff and maintain productivity.
The changes affect employees who have a child born or adopted from 1 July 2026.
Disclaimer: This does not purport to be comprehensive or to render legal advice. You should not act based on any information contained in this publication without first obtaining specific professional advice. Consult your legal advisor to determine if this applies to you.
