Essential Report
Views towards paid parental leave
Q. Below are two options for paid parental leave. Which of the two do you think would be better for Australia as a whole?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | Dependent Children | ||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | Have dependent children | Do not have dependent children | ||
Up to 18 weeks for primary carers, plus 2 weeks ‘Dad & Partner pay’. Both are paid at the same rate as the national minimum wage. | 40% | 45% | 35% | 30% | 35% | 53% | 36% | 48% | 27% | 37% | 36% | 42% |
Up to 26 weeks at full pay including super, which can be used by either parent and split between them if they choose. | 60% | 55% | 65% | 70% | 65% | 47% | 64% | 52% | 73% | 63% | 64% | 58% |
Base (n) | 1,368 | 669 | 699 | 426 | 460 | 482 | 483 | 471 | 123 | 165 | 496 | 872 |
- Of the two options for paid parental leave presented, the majority of Australians (60%) think up to 26 weeks at full pay including super, which can be used by either parent and split between them if they choose, would be better for Australia as a whole.
- 40% think ‘Up to 18 weeks for primary carers, plus 2 weeks ‘Dad & Partner pay’. Both are paid at the same rate as the national minimum wage.’ would be better.
- Women, those aged 18-34 and 35-54, Greens, Labor and minor and independent party voters, and those with dependent children are the most likely to think the ‘26 weeks’ option would be better for Australia.

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