A January 1 start date for the federal government's changes to paid parental leave remains a possibility, but the prime minister says it is up for negotiation.
Malcolm Turnbull on Friday gave the strongest indication yet he is willing to move on the timing to ensure legislation clears the Senate.
Crossbench senators Derryn Hinch and Nick Xenophon are edging closer to an agreement with the coalition to help stop expectant mothers from "double-dipping", on the basis the proposed New Year's Day start date is delayed.
"That is our policy, so of course it's a possibility, but we have to negotiate with the crossbench senators and that's our job," Mr Turnbull told 3AW's Neil Mitchell on Friday.
"The different crossbench senators have expressed different views as to when it should start and we'll obviously be discussing that with them."
Mr Turnbull said the plan was an equitable and fair use of government resources that provided a safety net for mothers and fathers alike.
Treasurer Scott Morrison said he'd meet Senator Xenophon next week to discuss the policy.
"It's a matter of working through those issues with Senator Xenophon, his team and the other crossbenchers to get those results," he told reporters in Sydney.
Crossbench senators have flagged start dates of July 1 or October 1 to allow women time to plan for the changes.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the start date would be directly related to the timing of when the legislation was able to be passed, as negotiations with crossbenchers continue.
"This was a budget measure that was announced some time ago, and obviously the start date was a reflection of the timing of when this measure was first released," he told Sky News.
"Let's just work our way through the process."
Greens leader Richard Di Natale said delaying the start date would not make up for the fact the changes, if passed, will hurt parents.
"The crossbenchers should not join with the government in making budget savings at the expense of new mums and dads," he said in a statement.
