First published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Last updated on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
While we’ve seen changes in how you need to pay superannuation for employees this year, there are also new Paid Parental Leave laws and entitlements you need to be aware of as a business owner.
Because the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces employment standards uniformly, ensuring full compliance protects your business from the risks associated with payroll or policy oversights. Read on to see what these new Paid Parental Leave entitlements mean for your workforce planning and the steps required to keep your operations fully aligned.
New Paid Parental Leave laws from 1/7/2026
According to the Minister for the Department of Social Services, from the 1st of July an extra two weeks will be available for parents on Paid Parental Leave, with it increasing to a total of twenty-six weeks. With the rollout of this, this also means that those on Paid Parental Leave will be entitled to approximately $24,000 in government funding.
The new laws also are aimed at providing both parents equal opportunity in access to Paid Parental Leave, with the goal being to offer a more flexible approach while making it easier for parents in preparing for their return to work.
What you need to do as an employer
In order to remain compliant with Australian employment laws, your company’s policies for Paid Parental Leave need to be updated to be in line with this year’s changes. You also need to take into account the six-month entitlement and plan accordingly. It’s a long time for an employee to be away, which is why you need to prepare in advance and organise your staff accordingly for minimal disruption, as well as prepare for your employee’s eventual return.
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to manage leave in your organisation, or need specialist support in navigating Australian employment laws, At BrightHR our software makes managing leave a breeze, giving you full control and keeping you aware of all leave requests and availability. We also offer a 24/7 employment relations line, where you can speak to one of our specialists to help you remain compliant. For more information book a free demo here!
