This policy insights paper examines the rising trend of school suspensions in New South Wales (NSW) and their connection to student interaction with the criminal justice system. It identifies practical, evidence-based strategies – as alternatives to school exclusion – to create safer learning environments for students, teachers and schools to support long-term outcomes.

When strategically deployed, research shows teaching assistants' contributions can significantly enhance student progress and achievement. These guidelines aim to help schools maximise the impact of teaching assistant. The guidelines provide practical, evidence-informed advice and include seven key strategies for schools to use to maximise the effectiveness of their teaching assistants.

This study compares adolescent smoking trends in Australia before and after the emergence of e-cigarettes in about 2010, to evaluate the potential impacts of adolescent vaping on smoking prevalence. It finds that Australia’s remarkable progress in reducing adolescent smoking has slowed since the emergence of vaping, underscoring the need for integrated tobacco and vaping control...

The proportion of Australia’s population aged 15 to 64 receiving income support payments reached record lows in 2023 and 2024. This was driven by a strong labour market and pre-COVID-19 policy changes. This paper outlines the Australian context for working-age welfare recipients, the impact of COVID-19 policies, and trends in students and people with disability...

In 2024, more than 17,500 children aged 8-12 years across South Australia took part in the annual Commissioner’s Student Voice Postcards initiative. Their responses provide clear insight into their lives, including the conditions which shape them. They also expose patterns of systemic challenges that must be addressed.