On the eve of International Women’s Day 2024, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has commended the Albanese Government on its decision to pay 12% superannuation for workers taking Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave (PPL) commencing 1 July 2025.

With women comprising the overwhelming majority (99.5%) of the 180,000 PPL recipients, ANMF Federal Assistant Secretary Lori-Anne Sharp, said the much-needed boost in superannuation would greatly benefit nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing (AIN) who have suffered inequity through the loss of superannuation.

Ms Sharp said superannuation is paid on all other leave entitlements, and now that is was finally being recognised on PPL, it’s ‘very welcome news as women should not be penalised for taking time out of the workforce to have children’.

“For over a decade, the ANMF has fought long and hard for PPL, better super and other entitlements to help achieve gender equity in the workforce, which is why we applaud the Government for taking this important policy decision,” Ms Sharp said.

“Women comprise 89% of the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, who, on average can retire with up to 40% less super than men – and that must change if working women have any chance of reaching a secure retirement with a comfortable standard of living.

“The Government must be commended for working with the ANMF and its members along with other female dominated unions to deliver reforms like these which will make a real difference in addressing the gender pay gap and address the barriers working women face when they retire.”

The ANMF, with over 322,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF media release authorised by Lori-Anne Sharp, Federal Assistant Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390