Fatherhood Resources: Australia
Official parental leave guidance, mental health support, and verified organisations for fathers across Australia.
24 weeks
Parental Leave Pay
From 1 July 2025 (120 days)
4 weeks
Dad & Partner component
"Use it or lose it" for dads
Up to 12 months
Unpaid Parental Leave
Extendable to 24 months
Verified Resources for Australian Dads
Services Australia: Parental Leave Pay
GovernmentAustralia-wideOfficial Australian Government guide to Parental Leave Pay. From 1 July 2025, up to 120 days (24 weeks) of government-funded payments are available, with a "use it or lose it" component for dads and partners.
Fair Work: Parental Leave
GovernmentAustralia-wideFair Work Ombudsman's official guide to parental leave entitlements, including unpaid parental leave rights, flexible return-to-work options, and employer obligations.
DadSpace
SupportAustralia-wideFree Australian website dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of fathers during pregnancy and early parenthood. Practical advice, real stories, and evidence-based support specifically for dads.
The Fathering Project
OrganisationAustralia-wideAustralian nonprofit improving child development outcomes by engaging fathers through prevention and education programs. School-based programs, resources, and community events for dads.
Support for Fathers
SupportAustralia-wideAustralian project providing dads with options and information about fatherhood, relationships, and connecting with their kids. Includes a directory of dad-specific programs and services.
Australian Institute of Family Studies
ResearchAustralia-wideGovernment research institute publishing evidence-based resources on fatherhood, child development, and family wellbeing in Australia.
MensLine Australia
HelplineAustralia-wideFree 24/7 telephone and online counselling for men, including fathers dealing with relationship issues, separation, parenting stress, and mental health. Call 1300 78 99 78.
Beyond Blue: Dads
Mental HealthAustralia-wideBeyond Blue's mental health resources specifically for men, including postnatal depression in fathers, anxiety, and how to get help. Free support line: 1300 22 4636.
Key facts for Australian fathers
- •From 1 July 2025, Australia's Parental Leave Pay scheme provides 120 days (24 weeks) of government-funded payments at the national minimum wage.
- •A "use it or lose it" component reserves weeks specifically for dads and partners — if not taken, those weeks are forfeited.
- •Eligible employees are also entitled to up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave under the Fair Work Act, extendable to 24 months by agreement.
- •Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies consistently shows that father involvement improves outcomes for children across cognitive, social, and emotional domains.
- •Postnatal depression affects approximately 1 in 10 Australian fathers. MensLine and Beyond Blue both offer free, confidential support.