Multiplex parental leave in action

Daniel Maloney, a Project Manager at Multiplex in Victoria, is planning to take four months leave to care for four-month-old son Angus when his wife returns to her human resources role later this year. He took similar leave to raise daughter Frankie, now three years old.
 
“Coming up from my early days in construction, there were still some stereotypes around taking parental leave in my head. As a Project Manager on West Side Place, one of our biggest projects in Victoria at the time, I was also concerned how it might impact the job,” Maloney said.
 
“Ultimately those concerns were unfounded. My manager immediately told me to go for it and worked with me to minimise any impacts on the project, and the team was equally supportive.”

He says ultimately the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend time with his daughter. 

“As well as strengthening my relationship with Frankie, the experience gave me a greater appreciation for the role of the primary carer,” says Dan. “You think you know what the primary carer at home does, but you don’t really understand the continuous work that goes into a full day of looking after a child until you do it yourself. It has really helped us share the load at home now we’re both back at work.
 
“I definitely feel like it’s becoming more accepted and normal for men to not only take parental leave, but to be able to prioritise your family and be home when you need to as well.”