The Families Commission is renewing its call for the Government to fund four weeks paid parental leave for dads, based on the findings of two reports it released today.
The research surveyed 1721 fathers early this year about a range of issues related to their role, as well as in-depth interviews with 22 of the fathers.
Families Commissioner Gregory Fortuin said dads need paid parental leave just for them. Currently the father/partner was only entitled to two weeks unpaid leave. Mothers could also transfer up to 14 weeks of their own paid parental leave entitlement to the father/partner.
However, almost half of the fathers surveyed said that they were unable to take any parental leave.
"We know that the initial bonding phase with a child is crucial for a child's development.
"When a strong attachment is made the positive effects are felt throughout the child's life," Mr Fortuin said.
The report showed that fathers from all backgrounds were satisfied they were doing well in their fathering role and were generally warmer and more engaged with their children than their own fathers were, Mr Fortuin said.
"Overall fathers report that they are doing a great job, spend about 37 hours a week with their children, and are involved in a variety of aspects of their children's lives, such as homework or changing nappies."
But most fathers wanted to spend more time with their children.
"Fathers think they could do an even better job if they could spend more time with their children. The main barrier to fathers spending time with their kids is work, which illustrates the need for flexible workplaces."
Dads were also concerned that coverage in the media, and assumptions made in society, meant their role was not valued, Mr Fortuin said.
"Stereotypes that all men are abusive or unsafe have meant that fathers have become nervous about doing normal things that dads need to be able to do -- such as changing nappies in public."
The commission called in 2007 for increased rights for fathers in terms of parental leave.
