Paternity Policy

At the University of Newcastle, we recognise that parenting is a shared responsibility. To support the full participation of women in education and employment, we actively encourage and enable non-gestational parents — including fathers and partners — to take on meaningful childcare duties from the outset.

A policy for shared parenting

In 2025, our Balancing Family / Carer Responsibilities with Work and Study Policy provided a clear framework for shared parenting and caring responsibilities. Approved on 15 May 2023 and effective from 23 May 2023, it applies to all University staff and students, recognises that family responsibilities affect all genders, and encourages a shared-care model. The policy is scheduled for review in 2026.

We recognise that families are diverse. Our policy applies equally to all parents, regardless of gender, marital status, or family structure, and includes same-sex, de facto, and culturally diverse family arrangements. We explicitly support shared caregiving, encouraging non-gestational parents to participate equally in raising children.

Leave and Flexible Work Options for Non-Gestational Parents

To facilitate equal parenting, we offer a suite of supportive provisions for staff under enterprise agreements and contracts, including:

  • Three weeks of paid partner leave following birth, adoption or fostering for eligible partners with at least 12 months of University service in a continuing, fixed-term or contingent role. This can be taken during the three weeks before and up to six months after birth or placement, including concurrently with the other parent’s leave.
  • Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, or 52 weeks at half pay, for eligible primary carers regardless of gender. A partner taking over primary caring responsibilities may also qualify, subject to the University’s parental leave provisions.
  • Flexible working arrangements such as part-time hours, flex-time, and remote work, where appropriate to the role and approved under University processes.
  • Job sharing and phased return-to-work plans that accommodate ongoing parental responsibilities.

These provisions, including the University’s recognition of parental and surrogacy leave, are supported by the October 2023 Parental and Surrogacy Leave Information booklet and staff leave guidance. Leave eligibility depends on employment circumstances, and flexible arrangements require appropriate approval.

These arrangements empower non-gestational parents to be fully involved in early childcare, reducing the pressure on gestational parents and promoting a more equitable division of labour at home and in the workplace.

Facilities and Practical Support

The University of Newcastle supports students and staff with parenting responsibilities through access to on-campus childcare services, dedicated parenting facilities and family-friendly spaces that help balance study, work and family life.

Childcare services are available at Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses, including KU Kintaiba Children's Centre and Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre at Callaghan, and KU Ourimbah Preschool and Children's Centre on the Central Coast. Kooinda provides childcare specifically for children of University students and staff.

The University also provides a range of parent- and child-friendly facilities, including:

  • Parent Rooms: Dedicated spaces for breastfeeding, expressing and storing milk, and changing babies, available across campuses including Callaghan, Newcastle City and Ourimbah.
  • Carers and Kids Rooms: Family-friendly University Library spaces equipped with toys, books and activities, allowing parents and carers to work or study while supervising their children.

The University's policy also recognises circumstances where students and staff may need to bring children onto campus, subject to relevant safety requirements and University procedures.

Cultural Sensitivity and Gender Equity

Our approach acknowledges and respects cultural variations in family roles, while reinforcing the importance of shared caregiving across all genders. We are committed to fostering a workplace and learning environment where all parents feel equally supported in their family responsibilities.

By making paid partner leave, primary-carer leave, flexible work and family-friendly facilities available through clear policy frameworks, the University supports fathers and partners to take an active role in childcare. This shared-care approach helps women participate in employment and education while recognising the needs of diverse families.