Resource Pages
Australia’s parental leave system is a mix of statutory entitlements, government-funded parental leave, and employer-funded parental leave.
Employers are increasingly recognising the benefits of paid parental leave for business, employees, families and the wider community. Many DCA member organisations are leading the way when it comes to parental leave.
In this section, members can learn more about parental leave entitlements, the case for action for employer-funded paid leave, leading-practice principles and case studies/examples.
Overview
Explore definitions, key issues, and the state of play.
The Case for Action
Find out why your organisation should take action.
Leading Practice
Learn how to take a leading practice approach.
DCA Research
Check out DCA’s research on this topic.
Upcoming Events
Register for an upcoming event on this topic.
Recordings of Past Events
Access recordings of past events on this topic.
Latest Articles - Parental Leave

Release of National Carer Strategy
DCA welcomes the government’s renewed commitment to Australia’s three million unpaid carers in its new ten-year National Carer Strategy.

The diversity of LGBTQ+ families and parental leave
For LGBTQ+ parents and carers, the journey to parenthood is as diverse as the community itself, and parental leave needs are just as unique.

Dads and extended parental leave: a personal perspective
Despite the benefits, many fathers are still not taking extended parental leave. Here, DCA member Emily Smeed shares her family’s choices and experience with parental leave.

Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2023
This is DCA’s second submission supporting amendments to paid parental leave to ensure that Australia can offer government funded parental leave that is flexible, gender-neutral and promotes shared-care arrangements between parents.

Early Childhood Productivity Commission Inquiry
Read DCA’s submission in response to the 2023 Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care.

Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2022
Read DCA’s submission to the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Improvements for Families and Gender Equality) Bill 2022.