The Parenthood Newsletter July 2024

TWO MORE WEEKS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Maddy Butler, The Parenthood's Campaign Director, and some of our amazing supporters met with Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services, at Parliament House to celebrate an extra two weeks of publicly funded paid parental leave, bringing the total up to 22 weeks.

That figure will increase by another two weeks in both 2025 and 2026, so that from 1 July 2026, every family with a new baby can receive six months of paid parental leave, four weeks of which must be taken by the non-primary carer. Parents will also be allowed to take some of this leave concurrently, while single parents will be eligible for the full 26 weeks of paid leave.

NEW REPORT RECOMMENDS ‘CHILDCARE FOR $10 A DAY’

A new report by the Centre for Policy Development has recommended replacing the complex Child Care Subsidy with a child-centred funding model and guaranteeing access to early childhood education for a minimum of three days per week for all families.

Depending on the income of a family, three days per week of early childhood education would be free for some families, with a $10 fee for others. The report argues child care should be seen in the same light as public education and Medicare, which is offered to all Australians.

SUPPORT OUR RURAL CAMPAIGN

This September, we will release a new report on the challenges posed by the lack of access to early childhood education services in Australia's regional, rural, and remote areas. We want to hear how this lack of access has impacted you. Whether your story is 2 sentences or 8 paragraphs, we want to hear it!

As we prepare to release this report, we need more voices. Share your stories with us to advocate for better early childhood education and care access in regional, rural, and remote Australia. The more stories we gather, the harder it is for governments to ignore this issue.

NAIDOC WEEK - KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD & PROUD

This year's NAIDOC Week’s theme ‘Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’ celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

SURVEY: BABY FEVER 🥵 OR BABY FREEZE 🥶- WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK?

We've already got two hundred responses to our survey - can you help us hit one hundred more?

If you’re thinking of having a(nother) baby, this survey is for you! Australia's birth rate is at a record low, so if you're hesitant about starting or growing a family, you're not alone. From sky-high housing costs to the outrageous $12 price tag on a packet of grated cheese, and early learning fees that rival private school tuition, the financial hurdles are real.

We know some of the reasons why Aussies aren't having as many kids, but we want to hear from YOU. Share your thoughts in our survey here!