New South Wales

Report

Taxi troubles: the experiences of people with disability and taxis in NSW

This report of an online survey on the experiences of people with disability using taxi services provides clear evidence that the point-to-point transport network is not meeting the needs of its users, and that industry practices are in fact, are actively discouraging people with disability...
Report

Crime by outlaw motorcycle gang members during club conflicts

This study examines the trends in and spatial distribution of recorded offending by Australian outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) affiliates at the onset of a territorial conflict between two clubs in the state of New South Wales.
Research Summary

Which programs reduce maltreatment and improve safety for vulnerable children?

This paper shares findings from a rapid evidence scan carried out by Western Sydney University into programs that help to reduce harm and maltreatment, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children aged 0-5 years.
Report

Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy focus area 2 (out-of-home care) – were the targets achieved?

This report assesses the extent to which the Department of Communities and Justice (NSW) achieved its five-year strategy to reduce over-representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
Research Summary

Which programs improve school readiness for vulnerable children?

The transition to school is a pivotal life stage for both children and their families, and a significant event for educators. This Evidence to Action Note outlines the key findings a recent school readiness rapid review.
Report

A rapid evidence review of early childhood programs to reduce harm and maltreatment and improve school readiness

This report details the findings of two rapid evidence reviews undertaken by Western Sydney University in 2021 to build the body of evidence about reducing harm and/or maltreatment for vulnerable children aged 0-5 years and improving school readiness for vulnerable children under six years of...
Report

The NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People: tracking report 01

Following the launch of their strategic plan, the ACYP committed to undertaking and publishing results from an annual quantitative survey that tracks the experiences and perceptions of young people in New South Wales across six key areas. This report outlines the key findings from their...
Report

Intergenerational incarceration in New South Wales: characteristics of people in prison experiencing parental imprisonment

Other authors
Julia Bowman, Jennifer Galouzis, Kelly-Anne Stewart, Elizabeth Sullivan
This study uses data from two state-wide surveys conducted in New South Wales prisons and youth justice centres in 2015 to examine the epidemiology of intergenerational incarceration.
Report

The unlucky country: life expectancy and health in regional and remote Australia

This report highlights growing health inequality between city and country New South Wales. Those in the state’s far west are twice as likely to die prematurely as their Sydney counterparts, and their deaths are two and a half times more likely to be potentially avoidable.
Report

Reform critical: a fragmented health system at breaking point

Australia and New South Wales have the foundations of a great health system, with a highly professionalised workforce and principles of universality underpinning the efficient and effective delivery of health care. The authors of this report argue that those foundations are starting to crack, with...
Report

Cyber Security NSW: governance, roles, and responsibilities

This audit assesses the effectiveness of Cyber Security NSW's arrangements in contributing to the NSW Government's commitments under the NSW Cyber Security Strategy, in particular, increasing the NSW Government's cyber resiliency.
Report

Bushfire recovery grants

The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) program was created after the 2019–20 bushfires. It is co-funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments. This audit assessed how effectively the Department of Regional NSW and Resilience NSW administered rounds one and two of the BLER program.
Evaluation

Evaluation of NSW community-based mental health programs: Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative Plus

The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative Plus (HASI Plus) is a program for people with severe mental illness and significant difficulties managing day to day living. The Ministry commissioned the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) to evaluate the HASI Plus program. This is the report...
Report

The Menindee Lakes Water Savings Project – an example of poor decision-making

This report finds that despite promises of significant water savings, the decision-making process for the Menindee Lakes project was poor practice and a poor example of effective governance. This profoundly affected the legitimacy and implementation of the project, particularly in relation to the local community...
Working paper

The principles and practice of local government in the Australian three-tiered system of government

This paper discusses the role of local government in the three-tiered system of government in Australia, with special reference to the roles of state and local government in New South Wales.
Report

Improving crisis communications to culturally and linguistically diverse communities

This inquiry report looks at improving crisis communications to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. It examines ways to improve channels of communication with CALD communities, and the use of multicultural and CALD community groups and networks to distribute in-language information.
Briefing paper

NSW electorate profiles: 2021 Census

NSW electorate profiles provide data from the 2021 census analysed by NSW electorate (2021 redistribution). This background paper presents the data in two-page summaries for each electorate. The 2021 redistribution electorate boundaries will come into effect at the 2023 NSW state election.
Journal article

45 and Up COVID Insights: a dynamic and collaborative approach to evidence-making during the COVID-19 pandemic

Other authors
Catherine D’Este, Julia Steinberg, Marianne Weber, Jill Newby, Ding Ding, Bette Liu, Barry Edwards, Andrew Milat, Martin McNamara
This journal article describes a research project that was developed to generate timely, relevant evidence in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to guide policy, practice and planning in New South Wales.
Report

Effects of perinatal conditions and local area socioeconomic status on early childhood mortality in New South Wales: linked data analysis - main report

This report analyses the relationship between early childhood mortality and maternal and baby characteristics at the time of birth (perinatal conditions) using a linked data set covering all babies born in NSW between 2005 and 2018.
Report

The voices of LGBTQIA+ young people in NSW 2022

The Advocate for Children and Young People conducted face to face and online consultations with 233 LGBTQIA+ identifying young people over a six month period. This report shares their experiences on what is and is not working well for them, and what changes they would...
Discussion paper

Technology assisted voting review: paper 1 - issues and questions

The NSW Electoral Commissioner is reviewing options for technology-assisted voting in New South Wales. This paper asks a number of questions to stakeholders to inform the review, and to provide assistance in preparing a submission. It also provides a brief context and background for the...
Discussion paper

Independent review of the Ageing and Disability Commissioner Act 2019: discussion paper

This review is being conducted to determine whether the policy objectives of the 2019 Ageing and Disability Commissioner Act, created to help protect vulnerable adults with disability and older people, remain valid and the terms of the Act are still appropriate to help meet those...
Research Summary

Are children who are known to child protection services more likely to be suspended from school?

This paper reports findings from NSW Child Development Study (CDS) looking at the connection between child protection contact and primary school suspensions and discusses the implications for policy and practice in supporting children who are suspended from school.
Report

What’s the catch? The criminalisation of Aboriginal fishing in New South Wales

This paper discusses the administration of First Nations' cultural fishing rights in New South Wales and argues that the government's failure to uphold and protect the rights of Aboriginal fishers in NSW, as they do other non-Aboriginal people’s rights such as commercial and recreational fishers...
Report

Food production and supply in NSW

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters have shone a spotlight on food insecurity in New South Wales. This inquiry report examines how to improve the overall approach to the NSW food system - promoting a sustainable food supply and reducing food waste.