Greens to push Labor to fast-track 26 weeks of paid parental leave and pay superannuation on it

Party joins chorus of super funds and crossbenchers who want to use government’s tax concessions bill to call for broader changes

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Greens will seek to push Labor to increase paid parental leave to 26 weeks sooner than planned and to pay superannuation on it through possible amendments to the government bill to reduce tax concessions for high super balances.

The Greens employment spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock, said women “shouldn’t have to wait” until 2026 for 26 weeks of paid parental leave (PPL), slamming Labor’s plan in the October budget to increase the entitlement by “a miserly two weeks year after year”.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup