Australia’s parental leave system is a mix of statutory entitlements, government-funded paid parental leave, and employer-funded parental leave.
Employers are increasingly recognising the benefits of paid parental leave for business, employees, and families, and many DCA members are among employers leading the way when it comes to parental leave.
In this section members can learn more about Australia’s parental leave system, the business case for employer-funded leave, leading practice principles, miscarriage leave, stillbirth or infant death, and DCA’s position on parental leave reform.
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

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.

Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2022
DCA made a submission to the 2022 Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill – improvements for families and gender equity.

Federal Government’s improved Parental Leave Policy
DCA welcomed the pre-budget announcement of increasing government funded paid parental leave to 26 weeks.

Work and Care Inquiry Submission
Read submission to the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care inquiry into the impact that combining work and care responsibilities has on wellbeing.

Supporting people at work after pregnancy loss
Pregnancy loss can be isolating. This DCA event explored how workplaces can be inclusive of women, and people of all genders, who have experienced pregnancy loss.