Labour MP Sue Moroney believes there is still a chance her member's bill to extend paid parental leave could be passed.
The bill would increase paid parental leave from 14 to 26 weeks for the parents of disabled or premature babies and multiple births.
It was gutted during its committee stages tonight, as the Government killed clause after clause.
But parts of the bill were passed before the September election, when it had a majority of support in Parliament, so it has been set down for a third reading next year.
Ms Moroney said she hoped the Government would change its mind.
"It does give an opportunity over the summer break for the organisations who represent families in those categories to talk to the Government about its stance on it," she said.
"It is still possible that they could actually change their mind and change their vote at the third reading, because now they don't have affordability as a reason to vote against the bill."
That was because the cost had come down to $6 million, Ms Moroney said.