New Coalition may result in an extension to the benefits offered by the Paid Parental Scheme

With the Labor Party back in power, they have renewed their commitment to complement benefit enhancements under the new Paid Parental Leave Act.

Sussan Ley, the Federal Coalition's new childcare spokeswoman, says she would like the party's 26-week paid parental leave scheme to remain part of its policy platform.

However, some Coalition MPs have expressed concern about the scheme's generosity, advising the Liberal Party that they prefer its more generous parental leave proposal to the Paid Parental Leave Act and will give it a majority on "any policies on which they agree.”

Ms. Ley says she will consider any changes proposed by her colleagues, but believes the general structure of the scheme is sound. She said, "I am extremely supportive of the current proposal and I know members of the Coalition are".