Fathers go free this Father’s Day

Dads will receive free or discounted entry to participating zoos and wildlife parks when they take their children on Father’s Day, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, announced today.

“On September 1, children will be able to thank their dads with a day out at participating parks and zoos as diverse and far-flung as the Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour, to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm in Innisfail, Queensland.

“With the recent focus on mothers, I wanted to organise something this Father’s Day to acknowledge the important role of fathers.

“The ongoing debate around maternity leave, as important as it is, has sidelined fathers and failed to recognise the important role they play.

“Discussion about work and family has to put the interests of the child at the centre and include both mothers and fathers.

“No matter what form a family may take, fathers are a vital part. A common characteristic of happy and stable children is a good relationship with their father.

“More frequently we are spending recreational time in sedentary activities, such as watching TV. Australians have a genuine love of the outdoors and wildlife. Getting outdoors and walking around one of our fascinating zoos or parks will be a great way for the family to spend quality time together this Father’s Day.

“I thank and congratulate participating zoos and parks for their generous support of the Fathers Go Free initiative. I also encourage any family focussed businesses that would like to participate to let me know.

“I hope this can become an annual event and I encourage all families to visit a local zoo or park. It will be a great way for families to thank their dad this Father’s Day,” Mr Anthony said.