There was a relatively low level of knowledge about the 1 July 2023 changes to paid parental leave or the subsequent roll out of an additional 6 week by 2026. However, general knowledge of the current scheme was good, although patchy on some aspects. Couples share and socialise information and their experiences with the paid parental system with their family and friendship groups. This is particularly important for new parents who are navigating the parental leave system for the first time. Parents who expected to have more children were strategic in their use of the paid parental leave scheme and aware of the work test requirements, strategising to make sure they complied with the rules and were eligible for a future round of paid parental leave.

There was some confusion about details of the scheme and application process, which some parents found overwhelming. A few parents said the paid parental leave facts sheets provided by Centrelink and the government were not always clear and did not provide straightforward answers. Family and friends provided valuable help on how to access the system.

I remember when I was doing the whole application and applying for it before [my son] was born. I remember it was just so much information and questions… So that’s when obviously I had to reach out to family members that had done it before. (Isabella, middle income, CALD)

I remember asking my friend, then I had no idea about the 2 weeks [Dad and Partner Pay]. Because I’ve never been around any parents until now… I had no idea there was some sort of 2 weeks from the government. (Andy, middle income, CALD)

I know with the government leave you have to be working in a position for 12 months before the baby’s born... So, I’m mindful of that too. If I do want to use that… and I want to have a baby within the next year or so, I’d need to get onto some employment pretty quick. (Emily, high income)

Overall, there is very strong support and gratitude for the paid parental leave scheme, particularly among first-time parents who were not aware of the scheme prior to having their first child.

It’s been an amazing experience. I didn’t even know we got money before we had a kid. I’ve felt really blessed by it. (Lily, low income)

It’s helpful and take[s] that stress off … Just being able to enjoy your child and not be like, “Oh, we’ve got to worry about money as well.” (Lucy, middle income)

It’s really [an] awesome benefit. It’s 18 weeks from the government … You’ve had a baby, “here’s some financial help.” And it does really help … it pretty much enabled us to … have that time when the kids were young … and not even worry too much about the finance side of things. Because you knew there was always a little bit of something coming in. (Alexia, middle income)

It’s definitely good. I’m not going to have any more babies, but if I was going to, I’d make sure that I was working for the year so you can get it because it definitely helps. (Samantha, single mother, low income)