7000 to be cut off from parental leave

Tens of thousands of new mums will be saved from paid parental leave cuts because of a government backdown.

Parents could be allowed to top-up entitlements up to 18 weeks after the government softened its crackdown on so-called "double-dippers" who claim both employer and taxpayer-funded leave schemes.

A Senate estimates hearing on Thursday was told the change has saved 27,000 people from being cut off from the government scheme entirely, leaving 7000 who will miss out completely.