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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 on Wednesday.
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 says dads need paid parental leave just for them. Currently the father/partner isonly entitled to two weeks unpaid leave. Mothers can also transfer up to 14 weeks of their own paid parental leave entitlement to the father/partner.
However, almost half of the fathers surveyed say that they are 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," Fortuin says.
The report shows that fathers from all backgrounds are satisfied they are doing well in their fathering role and are generally warmer and more engaged with their children than their own fathers were, Fortuin says.
"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 want 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 are also concerned that coverage in the media, and assumptions made in society, mean their role is not valued, Fortuin says.
"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.
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