Working paper
The declining wellbeing of sole parents in Australia in the 21st century
Sole parent families, primarily headed by women, experience considerable social and economic disadvantage. Despite this, there is limited research that shows the specifics of this disadvantage. This research fills this gap through a detailed examination of several indicators measuring social and economic wellbeing for sole parents for the last 25 to 30 years in Australia.
Working paper
The transformative power of domestic and sexual violence support agencies
Domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) is a pervasive and growing issue in Australia. There is evidence that rates are increasing and incidences are becoming more severe. DFSV support agencies offer a range of services to support victim-survivors. This paper argues that these services also have the potential to lead to social change at a...
Evaluation
Try, test and learn evaluation
The Try, Test and Learn (TTL) Fund, established in 2016, trialled innovative approaches to reduce long-term welfare dependence among at-risk groups. The evaluation found the TTL fund was an appropriate model for generating insights into effective support methods. While short-term impacts were limited, the Fund is expected to effectively help vulnerable groups build capacity, overcome...
Report
Never let a crisis go to waste: social policy opportunities from COVID-19
In this paper, the authors share a range of ideas relating to health, labour markets, the tax and transfer system, gender equality, education, housing, and criminal justice. The aim is to provide an optimistic, forward-looking counterpoint to what has undoubtedly been a catastrophic year.
Evaluation
Paid Parental Leave evaluation: phase 1
An independent evaluation of the Paid Parental Leave scheme was completed over four phases between 2010 and 2014. Findings informed the Government about the outcomes of the scheme and they assessed the scheme’s likelihood of achieving its longer-term objectives.