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Views towards paid parental leave

13 Apr 2021

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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