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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Krishani Dhanji

Nationals push for tripling paid parental leave to 18 months and lowering Hecs debt for mothers

The Nationals are consiodering policies to make it easier  and more affordable to have children.
The Nationals are considering policies to make it easier and more affordable to have children. Photograph: Alamy/PA

The Nationals will canvass tripling paid parental leave in Australia to up to 18 months and income-splitting options for young parents to boost population growth as they attempt to front-run the Coalition’s childcare policy debate.

As the Liberal party considers a range of policy ideas, the Nationals will begin consulting with regional communities on measures including extending paid parental leave and lowering Hecs debts for women who have children.

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