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Australia lags behind other developed countries in the provision of best practice, evidence-based policies that support families and children and not-for-profit The Parenthood is determined to change that.
According to the latest report from The Parenthood, called Making Australia the Best Place in the World to be a Parent, among OECD nations Australia has one of the least adequate paid parental leave (PPL) schemes that puts mothers and fathers on markedly different paths from the moment a baby arrives.
Australia had the fourth most expensive early childhood education and care (ECEC) fees in the OECD.
Participation rates in ECEC lag global peers.
Australia’s female workforce participation is peculiarly low.
Workplace discrimination against parents is prolific.
The Parenthood says these are all structural drivers of gender inequity which remains stubbornly entrenched.
“Stereotypical gender roles prevail among parents in Australia in a way they don’t in other nations,” the report says.
“It costs parents, children, communities and the economy dearly.
“That Australia’s birth rate has slowed so substantially – even before the coronavirus pandemic – makes these issues even more pertinent.”
A parenting blueprint
The Parenthood has worked with Equity Economics and the Australian Services Union to come up with a blueprint to make Australia the best place in the world to be a parent.
“To reimagine the potential of parents, children and Australia, we recommend significant investment in:
1. Universal health and wellbeing support for parents and children through pregnancy and the early years;
2. A parental leave scheme that provides one year of paid leave to be equally shared between both parents;
3. Free and high-quality ECEC for all families; and
4. Flexible and supportive workplaces with universal access to paid carers’ leave for sick children.
“Analysis indicates the combined impact of the above policies would:
■ Enhance childhood development and lift long-term productivity.
■ Increase female participation and productivity, reducing the gender gap in workforce participation and earnings.
“Equity Economics estimates that the cumulative impact of the proposed changes could increase GDP by 4.1 per cent in 2050 or $166 billion.
“If Australia could lift female participation to that of males, it would increase GDP by 8.7 per cent or $353 billion by 2050.
“It is time to prioritise support for parents and children as a critical investment in Australia’s future.”
The Parenthood examined the gaps in parenting supports in Australia across policy, business practices and community supports and compared the local experience to international best practice.
It claims that “making Australia the best place in the world to be a parent of young children would require major investment in:
■ Universal health and wellbeing support for parents and children through pregnancy and the early years;
■ A parental leave scheme that provides one year of paid leave to be equally shared between parents;
■ Free and high-quality early childhood education and care for all families;
■ Flexible and supportive workplaces with universal access to paid carers’ leave for sick children.
“The economic and social benefits would be profound,” it argued.
The report is fascinating and, in parts, distressing, given Australia’s low performance across parental health, parental leave and early education and care.
Whether you are currently the parent of young children or a grandparent, The Parenthood is attempting to activate voters to make a difference in the federal election.
What can you do?
The #ParentsUp campaign is a way to join the voices calling for a better deal for parents and children in Australia. You can sign the petition and sign up for regular updates.
