Stronger Support for Families and Vulnerable Households

The Social Assistance Policy raised the newborn allowance and destitute payments and introduced paid paternity leave, with child benefits and maternity leave rising in stages.

The 2025/26 Budget funded a phased package: the newborn allowance rising from $1,000 to $1,500 and destitute payments from $400 to $500 per month from 1 July 2025; two weeks of paid paternity leave from 1 July 2025; child benefits extending to 17-year-olds from 1 July 2026 and 18-year-olds from 1 July 2027; child benefit payments rising $25 per month each year toward $200; and paid maternity leave increasing in stages to 14 weeks. Confirm which changes are legally in force before describing any as delivered.