Australians are being reminded to keep in touch with their elderly loved ones, with this research released revealing older Australians were among the most isolated from family and friends during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Life during COVID-19 survey ran from May 1 to June 9 2020 and had 7,306 participants from around Australia. It was the first survey in the Families in Australia Survey series. The findings in this report are drawn from the first analyses of the survey data.

In addition to presenting early data about the transition for services and families, this report provides context for the reform package through a review of the history of child care in Australia and a detailed overview of child care provision and the nature and objectives of the Child Care Package at the point of its...