The Australian findings, compiled by Western Sydney University,  form part of the global State of the World’s Fathers initiative led by Equimundo Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice, together with The Fathering Project, Western Sydney University, and partners from 16 participating countries around the world. 

Across these countries, survey data was collected from approximately 8,000 parents across 16 countries. The global sample included 5,371 fathers, 2,615 mothers, and 31 non-binary or trans parents aged 18 to 65. The purpose of the Australian component of the study is to document what caregiving looks like in Australian families – and what needs to change.

The Australian survey was completed by 533 parents across Australia in August/September of 2025, comprising 355 men (67%) and 173 women (32%), with a small number of participants identifying outside binary gender categories (n = 5). Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 64 years (mean age 39), with most concentrated in the 25–44 age range, reflecting peak parenting years.

Thank you to the Caring Masculinity Fund for supporting the research.