Suncorp has extended its parental leave allowance to 16 weeks from 13 weeks for primary carers as part of a number of enhancements.

The company will increase secondary carers paid leave to three weeks from two, and will also allow greater flexibility around swapping between being the primary and secondary carer.

Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston says the changes are a key part of the group’s diversity and inclusion strategy and support the business case for improving gender equality.

“Becoming a parent is a special time, but we know it can be a challenging transition,” he said. “Our focus has been on giving our people choice and flexibility, while also providing greater financial support.”

The revised policy changes eligibility criteria, giving new permanent full-time and part-time employees access to parental leave benefits immediately after they pass probation.

“These changes mean our people, regardless of how long they have worked for us, won’t have to choose between their career or family, and have the support to prioritise both,” Group Executive of People, Culture and Advocacy Fiona Thompson said.

“While we expect these changes to largely support our female workforce at first, our hope is that this will open up opportunities for more fathers to take on or share the role of primary carer, which in turn will go a long way towards gender equality.”