Grandparents caring for Grandchildren in Australia: What does the HILDA survey tell us: An analysis of date, waves 4 to 9

Abstract

In Australia, population ageing and other key demographic changes associated with, delayed childbirth, pressures of employment and cultural shift has significantly impacted the family structure. Subsequently, this has influenced how families negotiate care across the generations and in turn impacts on the need for informal care such as that provided by grandparents. This thesis explored childcare in Australia and, in particular, the patterns of use of grandparent child care. This secondary analysis of Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) wave 4 to 9, highlight that grandparent childcare is a highly utilised resource for families. However, this form of childcare is rarely included in government policies pertaining to childcare, retirement and income support. Recognition of this significant contribution by grandparents needs to be acknowledged and supported into the future.