In debate to increase paternity and infant care leave, MPs say stigma around parents taking time off must change

Members of Parliament on Monday (Sept 18) debated the Child Development Co-Savings Bill (Amendment)

It proposes to increase Government-Paid Paternity Leave by two weeks on a voluntary basis by employers

Unpaid Infant Care Leave will also be doubled from the current six days per parent per 12 months to 12 days per parent per 12 months

While MPs welcomed these changes that were first announced at Budget 2023, they said that work culture must change so as not to penalise parents who take parental leave

Some MPs also call for more paid childcare leave, adding that the current six days is not enough for parents with more than one child