Paid Parental Leave Revamp To Offer Flexibility For Mums & Dads

New paid parental leave legislation will see Aussie parents taking control of the way they take their leave for the first time.

Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer is set to announce the reform today, which will take effect in mid-2020 if passed.

Instead of forcing primary carers to take the full 18 weeks of paid leave at once, they'll have the option to split leave over a two year period, with a 12-week block to be taken in the first year.

Minister O'Dwyer said new mums especially, are more likely to stay in the workforce if they're offered flexibility.

"We're delivering practical measures to help women have greater choice about their lives," she said.

"We want to help them to build their financial security and in the process, they'll help grow the Australian economy."

"When women do well, their families do well, and our economy and nation prospers."