A trial program will see 4000 teenage parents forced to finish Year 12 or risk having their welfare payments cut off after laws passed parliament today.

Senior minister Simon Crean said the programs would give young parents new opportunities to boost their educational achievements and job-readiness.

"The government is sending a very clear message that it is the responsibility of the parent to make the most of opportunities available to them," he told the lower house.

Opposition early childhood spokeswoman Sussan Ley said the legislation was well-intentioned but the coalition was concerned that since many support services were already provided in some form, much of the program funding would be spent on more bureaucracy.

But her party supported the bill.