The Nationals are consulting on a bold policy paper that suggests tripling paid parental leave to 18 months and reducing HECS debt for mothers to encourage “population renewal.”

Senator Bridget McKenzie argues the current system is broken, forcing families into “childcare deserts” and institutional care rather than providing genuine at-home options.

Listen to more highlights from Mornings with Mark Levy below:

Image: Alex Ellinghausen/AFR