Australian Institute of Family Studies

Australian Institute of Family Studies The Australian Government’s key research agency in family wellbeing. This site is monitored and moderated Mon-Fri 9-5 PM (AEST).

AIFS delivers quality research on family wellbeing
This site is moderated and monitored Mon-Fri 9-5pm

In 9 days, hundreds of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates and sector leaders will come together at the ...
01/09/2026

In 9 days, hundreds of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates and sector leaders will come together at the AIFS Conference 2026 to explore how families, services and systems are adapting to a rapidly changing world.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the discussion.

Secure your place today: https://aifs.gov.au/conference/registration

Last chance to register for our upcoming National Child Protection Week webinar, presented in collaboration with Napcan ...
31/08/2026

Last chance to register for our upcoming National Child Protection Week webinar, presented in collaboration with Napcan and Children and Young People with Disability Australia. This webinar will explore what children, young people and families say good support looks like when disability and family violence intersect, and how services can strengthen accessibility, inclusion, trauma-informed care and cross-sector collaboration.

Wednesday 2 September 2026 1:00 PM (AEST)

Register today: https://aifs.gov.au/resources/webinars/supporting-children-and-young-people-disability-experiencing-family-violence

The AIFS Conference 2026 is only two weeks away! This is your last chance to secure your ticket and join Australia's lea...
27/08/2026

The AIFS Conference 2026 is only two weeks away! This is your last chance to secure your ticket and join Australia's leading family wellbeing conference.

The AIFS Conference is your chance to connect, learn and be part of the conversations shaping policy and practice across Australia.

Don't miss out! Register today! https://aifs.gov.au/conference/registration

Our new spotlight series draws on data from our Longitudinal Study of Australian Children to explore young people's expe...
26/08/2026

Our new spotlight series draws on data from our Longitudinal Study of Australian Children to explore young people's experiences of employment and education, housing affordability, financial stress and support from parents. The findings highlight the opportunities and pressures shaping the transition to adulthood, including housing costs, debt and the importance of family support.

Read the report: https://aifs.gov.au/growing-australia/resources/collections/spotlight-series/financial-experiences

Australians are living longer, family structures are becoming more diverse, and rising housing costs are changing how fa...
25/08/2026

Australians are living longer, family structures are becoming more diverse, and rising housing costs are changing how families build wealth and support one another. What do these shifts mean for financial security across generations?

Join us at the AIFS 2026 Conference as our expert panel explores how housing, care needs and changing family dynamics are reshaping financial wellbeing across the life course. Panellists will discuss the impacts of housing affordability and wealth inequality, the evolving role of older Australians as both providers and recipients of support, and the policy responses needed to strengthen financial security and wellbeing for Australian families.

Thursday 10 September | 3.40pm
Register: https://aifs.gov.au/conference/registration

Facilitated by Catherine Andersson, Australian Institute of Family Studies, featuring:
• Patricia Sparrow, Chief Executive Officer, COTA Australia - for older Australians
• Professor Wendy Stone, Professor of Housing and Social Policy, Swinburne University of Technology
• Matt Flavel, Deputy Secretary, Social Security, Australian Government Department of Social Services
• Dr Liz Allen, Lead of Social Impact and Community Engagement, The Australian National University

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination in child protection and systems reformAcross Australia, Aborigi...
24/08/2026

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination in child protection and systems reform

Across Australia, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and communities are leading efforts to reshape child and family service systems to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. What does self-determination look like in practice, and what can it teach us about broader systems reform?

Join us at the AIFS 2026 Conference as our expert panel explores Aboriginal-led approaches to child protection and family wellbeing, including reforms that strengthen Aboriginal leadership and decision-making.

Panellists will discuss why self-determination matters, how governments and services can support Aboriginal-led solutions, and the opportunities for broader systems reform that shifts the focus from punitive responses to family support and healing.

Thursday 10 September | 9.40am
https://aifs.gov.au/conference/registration

Facilitated by Paul Gray, UTS: University of Technology Sydney, UTS: Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research, featuring:
• Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
• Olga Havnen, Chief Executive Officer, Our Ways Strong Together
• Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive Officer, SNAICC-National Voice for our Children

We're delighted to announce two sessions sponsored by the Attorney-General's Department at the AIFS Conference:• Abuse ...
20/08/2026

We're delighted to announce two sessions sponsored by the Attorney-General's Department at the AIFS Conference:

• Abuse and mistreatment of older people: Examining the evidence, overlooked risks, and opportunities for stronger prevention and response
• Family law and domestic and family violence: Exploring how research, policy and practice are shaping the future of family law

Both panels will feature leading experts and draw on AIFS' extensive work in family law, family violence and the wellbeing of older Australians, bringing together evidence, policy and practice to address some of Australia's most complex social challenges.

https://aifs.gov.au/conference/registration

Family based out-of-home care results in better outcomes for children and young people than residential care and is more...
19/08/2026

Family based out-of-home care results in better outcomes for children and young people than residential care and is more cost-effective for governments.

However, carers report that carer payments and financial supports are inadequate and inaccessible.

Our new report, commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, examines whether current carer payments and financial supports are adequate, consistent and accessible across Australia. It draws on consultations with carers, service providers, governments and experts.

Read the report at the link in our bio.

Domestic and family violence can extend beyond direct abuse, with legal, administrative and financial systems sometimes ...
19/08/2026

Domestic and family violence can extend beyond direct abuse, with legal, administrative and financial systems sometimes used as tools of coercion and control. How can governments, courts and service systems better recognise and respond?

Join us at the AIFS 2026 Conference as our expert panel explores the growing evidence on systems abuse, including the misuse of family law processes, child support arrangements and government services. They'll discuss recent reforms, ongoing challenges and opportunities to strengthen responses for victim survivors.

Friday 11 September | 3.40pm

Facilitated by Elena Campbell (AIFS), featuring:
Professor Kay Cook, Swinburne University of Technology
Professor Heather Douglas, University of Melbourne Law School
Micaela Cronin, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner
Padma Raman PSM, Executive Director, Office for Women, Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.
Hayley Foster, Director of Family Violence, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

AI and family wellbeing: navigating risks and opportunitiesArtificial intelligence is rapidly changing how young people ...
12/08/2026

AI and family wellbeing: navigating risks and opportunities

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how young people learn, find information and engage with the world. But what does this mean for families, relationships and wellbeing?

Join us at the AIFS 2026 Conference as our expert panel explores the opportunities and risks AI presents for children, young people and families, the emerging evidence, and the actions needed to support positive outcomes.

Wednesday 9 September | 4.15pm

Facilitated by Kira Duggan (AIFS), featuring:
• Kirra Pendergast, Safe on Social
• Beth Chapman, University of Canberra
• Paul Clark, eSafety Commissioner
• Charvi Voola, eSafety youth ambassador

Address

Level 4, 40 City Road
Southbank, VIC
3006

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61392147888

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