This report provides the latest, local-level information on four indicators of child and maternal health, nationally and across Australia’s 31 Primary Health Network (PHN) areas. Information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies is included where available.

Although the problem of hunger is largely unnoticed in Australian society, more than one in five children (22%) live in a food insecure household.

The early years are a critical time for children’s development. Parents’ engagement in their children’s early development and learning has an impact on children’s later educational and life experiences and parents differ in their levels of engagement.

This article examines how health professionals can play a key role in identifying and preventing the recurrence of intentional injury.

This Research Brief derives from the 2016 Parenting Today in Victoria Study conducted and analysed by the Parenting Research Centre, and funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.