The Australian Institute of Family Studies was established in February 1980 to promote the identification and understanding of factors affecting marital and family stability in Australia. The Institute contributes to family wellbeing in Australia by undertaking high-quality research that informs the Australian Government and the community, and influences policy, services and support for families. The Institute is a national and international leader in identifying, developing and providing timely and reliable information about issues affecting families in Australia.

This is the 10th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference. The Institute holds biennial conferences on family research and policy.

Organising Committee

Professor Alan Hayes
Dr Matthew Gray
Ruth Weston
Dr Daryl Higgins
Diana Smart
Robert Johnstone
Robin Jeffs
Grace Soriano
Chelsea Cornell
Ha Du
Carole Jean
Nicky Berg

Professor Alan Hayes, Director
Professor Hayes took up his appointment as Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies in September 2004. With qualifications in Psychology, he has longstanding research and policy interests in the pathways children and their families take through life, and the role of families in supporting and sustaining development across life. The role of vulnerability and resilience in shaping developmental pathways has been a particular focus. Professor Hayes is currently the Deputy Chair of the Stronger Families and Community Partnership and a member of the Australian Family and Children Council (AFCC).

Dr Matthew Gray, Deputy Director, Research
Dr Matthew Gray was appointed as Deputy Director, Research in July 2005. Dr Gray is also Executive Project Manager of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Previously, Dr Gray was employed as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University. Dr Gray has undertaken research on a wide range of Australian social and economic policy issues. He has particular expertise in social and economy policy development, child support, labour economics and economic policy issues involving Indigenous Australians. During 2004-05 Dr Gray was a member of the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support.