Parents will have 22 weeks of paid leave starting in July next year and 26 weeks' leave by July 2020 with the passing of a bill in Parliament today - the first major law change of the new Government.
The Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Bill passed its third and final reading this afternoon with unanimous support. The current entitlement is 18 weeks.
Fittingly, Labour MP Willow Jean-Prime took her call on the bill with her baby daughter Heeni in her arms.
Speaking at the reading, Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway praised former Labour MP Sue Moroney, who was in the chamber to witness the bill's passing, for championing the issue in the previous term.
Last year Moroney's bill was passed in Parliament, but vetoed by the previous Government for being unaffordable at the time.
"This move is great news for babies, parents and families. It will provide greater financial certainty and confidence for working families," Lees-Galloway said.