From 1 July 2019, the maximum weekly rate of parental leave payments has increased from $564.38 per week to $585.80 per week before tax. The minimum rate for self-employed persons increases to $177.00 per week, which is equal to 10 hours of adult the minimum wage. Government-funded paid parental leave is intended to support expectant and new parents during some of the first months of their babies’ lives.