The supply of formal childcare has expanded in many developed countries. There is ambiguity, however, in the theory that the entry of care providers increases consumers’ surplus and the welfare of households in a market with differentiated services, such as childcare. This study empirically investigates how perceived search costs and parental life satisfaction change when...

This paper examines pathways through which parental characteristics might affect children's cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Using the 2004 LSAC, the author shows that more educated and mentally healthier parents are likely to have children with better outcomes. While educated parents are more frequently engaged in education-oriented activities with their children, mentally healthier parents exhibit more...

The relationship an infant has with their primary caregiver (in our society, this is usually the mother) has a profound impact on the infant’s future development. It is now well recognised that experiences in the first weeks and months of life help shape the developing brain; the most important of these experiences is the relationship...

For many women with disabilities in Australia, the fundamental human right to create a family is not realisable. Instead, women with disabilities have traditionally been discouraged or denied the opportunity, to bear and raise children. They have been, and continue to be perceived as asexual, dependent, recipients of care rather than care-givers, and generally incapable...

This report examines how participation requirements for parents and mature age job seekers receiving income support payments could be adjusted to better take account of their family and community responsibilities.