“When my little girl was born, my partner wasn't able to take much time off for maternity leave. However, I had the opportunity to take 12 weeks' parental leave and some annual leave I had saved up. Overall I had almost five months off work to be with my daughter while my partner worked part-time.
"If it wasn’t for the support I received from my manager and CommBank, I wouldn’t have been able to take time off to experience being a new dad.”
Kyle Leong – Indigenous Careers Partner
“My wife went back to work 10 months after giving birth, and so began my three months in the hot seat as my son’s full-time carer. And what a three months they were! I got to spend loads of quality time with my son, and watch him transform from a relatively stationary, relaxed bub into an energetic, adventurous and infinitely curious toddler. Not only did my time on parental leave provide many great experiences and memories, it also delivered an important dose of reality – I learnt pretty quickly that being a full-time carer is no mean feat!”
Rory O’Connor – Executive Manager, Communications Business and Private Banking
“I took four weeks parental leave as a secondary carer to spend time with my newborn daughter and support my wife in those early weeks. When Penelope was around nine months old, my wife returned to work and I took over primary caring responsibilities for her and that entitled me to another eight weeks' leave.
Previously, someone in my position would’ve received two weeks' leave to spend with their child in total, so there’s been a huge shift in the way CommBank regards fathers’ parental leave and its benefits. We’re expecting our second child soon, and I can’t wait to make the most of my parental leave.”
Greg Sarlas – Strategic Engagement Manager
“Before I took parental leave, many people suggested it was going to be a tougher job than my day job, and it was certainly very challenging but also very rewarding. I started the parental leave conversation with my manager quite early, which allowed us to really plan out how we might structure my team while I was away.
"I felt very supported at work and had lots of positive feedback from across the organisation, including mentors and my team, who were really pleased to see me taking the time to step out of my job and spend time with my family."
Andrew Hagger – Executive General Manager, Program Delivery
Things you should know
All employee benefits are subject to change (including withdrawal) by the Group at any time at its complete discretion. None of the above information should be construed as providing financial or tax advice to employees. If you are thinking of taking advantage of any of these benefits, you should consider whether you should obtain your own independent tax and/or financial advice.
