This paper examines the current situation of Australians as they put together their work and larger lives, under a particular policy regime. It reviews current policy settings governing care and work, finds them wanting in key respects (especially for particular groups of workers), and argues that some recent Australian policy proposals and actions do not adequately respond to the problem. The paper refers to industrial relations law, childcare policies and leave arrangements. The paper argues that an ethic of care needs to accompany Australia’s well developed ethic of work, and that new arrangements are necessary to govern their simultaneous realisation.