Focus on paid parental leave and Medicare in the federal budget is significant

In the forthcoming budget, the government plans to allocate $1.1 billion for paid parental leave, followed by $600 million annually once the program is operational.

“When mums or dads go on the government paid parental leave system, they shouldn’t be missing out on superannuation,” Chalmers said.

From July 1, 2025, eligible parents will receive an additional 12 per cent superannuation on their government-funded parental leave.

“We recognise that when people are making difficult choices about whether to have kids, we need to support them,” he said.

The treasurer also committed $3 billion to strengthen Medicare and an $8.5 billion investment in health overall.

Today, Health Minister Mark Butler will reveal an additional $227 million for the establishment of 29 new urgent care clinics, increasing the total number of clinics nationwide to 87.

The clinics will offer walk-in care and operate seven days a week over extended hours, with services bulk-billed to Medicare.

“We recognise that health care and bulk billing is a big part of the cost of living challenge,” Chalmers said.

“And so we want to make life a bit easier for people. And that’s why we’re making this investment.”

The treasurer will announce the federal government’s full list of measures when he delivers the budget on Tuesday.