Australia's Senate approves a law to expand paid parental leave to 26 weeks starting in 2026.

The new parental leave pay matches the national minimum wage.

The updated scheme aims for better accessibility, flexibility, and gender equality, impacting over 180,000 families annually.

Plans include adding superannuation benefits for those on parental leave and allowing more shared leave time for parents.

Labor commits to pay superannuation on government-funded parental leave from July 2025 for parents of newborns from that date.

Advocates praise the development but urge further enhancements, including increased payments and extending the scheme to a full year.