In the present era of evidence-based policy making in Indigenous affairs, where the monitoring and closure of socioeconomic gaps dominates the federal agenda, data have become paramount. Yet with regard to one of the cornerstones of the Labor government's 'Closing the Gaps' initiative-Indigenous education-the reliability of the evidence base has been repeatedly called into question...

Major social, demographic and economic changes in Australia over the last 50 years have dramatically altered the conditions in which families are raising children. There is evidence that a significant number of children are facing worsening developmental and social outcomes as a result of this ‘social climate change’.

This policy articulates the reporting obligations on the department, its employees and all other personnel who work in a school, or college or other departmental educational institution. The policy defines and provides guidelines on reporting obligtions and procedures, harm and exploitation, legal protection and support to notifiers.

In late 2009, Australian Centre for Child Protection researchers surveyed staff from 107 specialist homelessness services operating across Australia. Of these services:• Almost half had fewer than five staff members• The main client group of half of the services were women and women with children escaping domestic violence• Many accommodated more children than adults