Fathers are often portrayed as optional or secondary caregivers in the home with the current language surrounding Paid Parental Leave (PPL) often assuming mothers are the main caregiver, according to new Griffith University research.
Lead author of the study, PhD candidate Lily Lewington from Griffith’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, analysed 24 legislative government documents about PPL from when the scheme started in 2010 up to the latest update in 2024.
“I wanted to better understand how the PPL talks about fathers, and what the use of language tells us about who is expected to take on the caring role of children,” Ms Lewington said.
“I found the policy often assumes mothers are the main caregivers and refers to fathers as the ‘other parent’ or only includes them in exceptional circumstances, portraying Dads as more of a support person than an equal parent.
“Recent changes to the scheme uses more inclusive language, however, it still mostly positions fathers as secondary when it comes to caregiving.”
The study highlighted Australia’s father-specific leave and revealed it falls short when compared to other countries.
Associate Professor Bernadette Sebar said many countries, especially in Europe, offer fathers several weeks or even months of paid leave that cannot be transferred to the mother.
“Korea tops the list, offering fathers 54 weeks of paid leave,” Associate Professor Sebar said.
“In contrast, Australia only offered two weeks of Dad and Partner pay until recently, and even then, uptake by fathers was low.
“Other countries do more to encourage and normalise fathers taking leave.”
Ms Lewington hopes to see systemic change which truly supports both parents equally, and one which encourages fathers to take PPL without needing permission or facing extra hurdles.
“For this to occur, there needs to be clearer and more inclusive language, dedicated leave just for fathers, and recognition that caregiving is something both parents should be supported to do from the beginning,” she said.
The paper ‘The other parent: A critical policy analysis of fatherhood discourses in the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme’ has been published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues.
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Bernadette Sebar
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