Entrenched older work-family values centred on gendered-roles appear to be alive and well in Australia. For example, a Business Council of Australia (2003) survey found that while companies had introduced positive initiatives for a family friendly workplace, the attitude by some managers that family issues were ‘soft’ and ‘women’s business’ persisted
although the traditional breadwinner system is in decline in Australia.2 The survey also reported that some managers and employees resented having to become more adaptable as their employees take up more flexible working options to accommodate a family-friendly work environment. “We still face a number of mind-set issues with managers who are unable to think of creative ways of implementation and still feel that a large proportion of jobs must be ‘full-time’ jobs” (Business Council of Australia, p. 10).