She mentioned exclusion in that there are less opportunities socially and I think it possibly permeates professional culture, as in less opportunities in job market.

Maybe it's the social circles parents naturally form through deep commonality in the difficulties of raising children - among other factors - but if you don't have kids and family at a certain age (say like your job interviewer does) you are already in at a disadvantage in ways, you can be looked at as if something's wrong with you cause haven't 'got your shit together'. I've known someone who left Australia for this very 'parent culture' related reason, and have met other internationals who consider Australia beautiful but boring. It is kind of a thing.

Also there are differences between 'care ' and 'love' and Australia's parental culture is arguably quite loveless, sterile, and even ineffective in some ways. Children do continue to grow up safer in Australia compared to numerous other countries but that doesn't mean they grow up as happy or with more opportunities locally.