One week to go: Bundle of joy for new parents as paid parental leave expands to 6 months

In one week, the Albanese Labor Government will deliver a major expansion of Paid Parental Leave, helping new parents spend more time at home with their newest family member.

From 1 July eligible families will be able to access up to 26 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, backed by the Government.

Thanks to Labor’s changes, families accessing the full entitlement will receive almost $30,000 across their Paid Parental Leave.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

I also acknowledge Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn; Australian Defence Force leaders; Australian War Memorial Chair Kim Beazley; Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson; and my colleagues from across the Parliament.

I extend my respects to all serving Defence members and all veterans here today. You honour us with your presence.

Each year, we begin the Parliamentary year with the Last Post ceremony.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thank you so much for joining us. Our tax reforms will make it easier for Australians to buy their first home and they'll cut taxes for every Australian worker. Our tax reforms give support to small business. And we will amend our legislation to give every active small business generous capital gains tax concessions. Our tax reforms will give better alignment for income earned from work with income earned from assets and wealth. Most Australians have nothing to sell but their time. Nothing to give but their hard work.

The Albanese Government is another step closer to delivering its tax reforms for workers, home buyers, and businesses. 

These reforms will make it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cut taxes for over 13 million workers, and better align the tax treatment of labour and asset income.

Today the Greens have confirmed they will support passage of the first tranche of tax reform legislation.

It is now a question for the rest of the Parliament whether they will get on board with tax cuts for workers and a fairer tax system for first home buyers.

I consider Keir Starmer a friend and I'm thinking of him on what must be a very tough day.

Serving in public life is a tremendous privilege but politics can also be a harsh business. 

When the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to Government in 2024.

Today the Prime Minister convened National Cabinet for the sixth time since the conflict in the Middle East began.

At today’s meeting Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator Anthea Harris provided an update on Australia’s fuel security.

Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term, however we are working hard to prepare for contingencies in the event of supply disruptions in fuel and fertiliser.

The Albanese Government has announced the nation’s largest ever defence export, with the signing of a government-to-government arrangement with Canada to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system.

This $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs.

KIERAN GILBERT: Prime Minister, thanks for your time. So, why have you made this call to continue the fuel excise relief?
 

The Albanese Government will extend fuel excise relief for another month, making petrol and diesel 16 cents per litre cheaper versus normal prices for July, saving Australians around $11 per tank.
 
This is more temporary support that will help take the sting out of petrol prices and help Australians with the cost of living.
 
In addition, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by 16 cents for the same period to help truckies keep Australia moving.
 

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Can I begin by acknowledging the bravery of the Socceroos, and they certainly gave everything on the field there in Seattle, and I'm sure I speak on behalf of all Australians. When we say we're proud of you, we look forward to the game against Paraguay, and to us qualifying through to the next round. So, to Tony Popovic and all the Socceroos, well done.