The Australian Greens have announced their take on proposed changes to parental leave policies.

The Green scheme would offer parents six months of paid leave at their full salary, capped at an annual amount of $100,000, and two weeks' paid leave for partners too.

The Greens’ model strongly resembles a similar Coalition plan, but leader Christine Milne and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young claimed it was a fairer compromise than the policies of the two major parties.

"We think Tony Abbott's scheme is too generous but we think the government's scheme doesn't go anywhere near far enough," Milne told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday, “Labor's scheme scrapes together the bare minimum without superannuation whilst Tony Abbott's plan is inequitable.”

Both plans are to be funded by a levy on companies with taxable incomes of over $5 million annually. The Greens' plan also includes government contributions of $1.9 billion over forward estimates. Labor's plan differs the most, offering minimum wage – currently around $622 per week before tax – for 18 weeks, funded by general revenue.

"Paid parental leave is too important to be treated like a welfare handout. Australia needs to follow the lead of other countries and link it to a person's actual pay," Senator Hanson-Young said, “Parliamentary Budget Office costings have shown that a small levy on Australia's biggest businesses, combined with a modest contribution from government, will help to support each and every Australian family."