The issue of parental leave became front page news as a result of the certification of the Australian Catholic University General Staff Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

The agreement expanded paid maternity and adoption leave considerably from 12 weeks on full pay and 40 weeks unpaid, to 12 weeks full pay plus 40 weeks on 60% of pay. There is a two years of service qualifier plus an obligation on the employee to return to work for 6 months.

There is also an increase from 5 to 15 days paid paternity leave, together with a further 49 weeks unpaid leave if the father elects to be the primary care-giver. The areas of adoption and foster parent leave are also significant improvements.