This research report presents some findings from the fourth Families in Australia Survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies from 4 November to 13 December 2021. The Families in Australia Survey series aimed to better understand family relationships, connections and support, and the things that Australian families do together or within their communities, such as work and study.

The survey was open to all Australians aged 18 and over and had almost 6,000 participants. While the survey was not representative of the Australian population, it nevertheless provides useful insights on aspects of Australian families.

Key messages:

• Participants were more likely to rate love as very important in defining what makes a family than any other characteristic, with 4 in 5 (79%) rating it as very important. Those with children and/or grandchildren were more likely to rate love as very important compared to those without (80% vs 70%).
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were much more likely to rate legal ties or obligations as important or very important compared to non-Indigenous Australians (48% vs 30%).
• Chosen family or close friends were nominated as part of the family by 41% of participants. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were much more likely to do this compared to non-Indigenous Australians (62% vs 42%).
• Those of the Interwar generation (born before 1946) were much more likely to rate blood or genetics (at 62%) and legal ties or obligations (at 48%) as important or very important in defining family compared to later generations.