This research forms part of Phase 1 of the Parenting Information Project, one of the aims of which was to develop the evidence base around early childhood and positive parenting by identifying:

• the information that was available to Australian parents;
• the information needs of Australian parents; and
• effective mechanisms for addressing these needs.

The objectives of the research were to identify the views of parents of children aged 0-5 years, in relation to: 

• their information and related support needs;
• the extent to which these needs were being addressed; and
• their preferred means of obtaining information.

A number of specific special needs parent groups were examined in the research, including:

• fathers;
• parents from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities;
• parents of children with a disability;
• single parents;
• grandparents with a significant caring role; and
• people expecting their first child.

The research was conducted through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods:

• a structured program of 35 focus groups, conducted in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria; and II
• a large-scale national telephone survey, covering metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in all States and Territories.