How we operate
AIFS is an independent statutory authority established in 1980 under the Family Law Act 1975. Within AIFS the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) was established under the Commonwealth Gambling Measures Act 2012 and has been in operation since 1 July 2013.
We are situated in the social services portfolio, with a whole-of-government orientation that enables our research to inform a broad range of policies impacting families. We are commissioned by the Australian Government to conduct research, evaluations and other evidence and data driven work. We are also engaged by state and territory governments noting their significant responsibility for policies and programs impacting children and families.
Find out more about our approach to research.
Our authorising environment
In March 2024, the Minister for Social Services provided a Statement of Expectations, confirming that AIFS is the Australian Government’s key research agency on family wellbeing and highlighting the Minister’s expectation that we continue to produce policy-relevant, rigorous and impactful research on a broad range of family related issues.
In response, we provided the Minister with our Statement of Intent, explaining how we would deliver on these expectations. We used the Minister’s statement to guide the development of our Strategic Research Agenda, published in August 2025.
Our funding streams
A modest proportion of AIFS funding is provided through direct appropriation from the Australian Government, with the balance generated through commissioned work. We receive core funding to conduct research responding to critical trends and emerging issues for Australian families including:
- demographic trends
- family wellbeing
- work–family balance
- gambling harms
- intervention evaluations.
AIFS holds several long-term research contracts including:
- longitudinal studies on Australian children, male health, and humanitarian migrants
- knowledge translation for the child and family sector
- support for child and family services under the Department of Social Service’s Families and Children Activity.
We also undertake short-term commissioned research for government departments and agencies addressing specific policy questions and program needs. To explore partnership opportunities see our Engagement Hub.
Our committees
We undertake rigorous research with robust governance provided by our committees. These ensure transparency, ethical integrity and accountability in our work.
Important oversight of our day-to-day operations and research activities is provided by:
- Our Human Research Ethics Committee which ensures ethical standards in research involving human participants.
- Our Risk and Audit Committee which provides oversight of financial and risk management practices to ensure compliance with the PGPA Act and Australian Government policies.
Our advisory groups
We engage with multiple advisory groups to enhance the quality and relevance of our research.
These groups provide expert guidance and stakeholder perspectives:
- Friends of LSAC – a network supporting the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
- LSAC Scientific Advisory Committee – advises on the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
- Reconciliation Action Plan Advisors – supports AIFS’ commitment to reconciliation.
- Ten to Men Scientific Advisory Group – provides scientific expertise for the Ten to Men study.
- Ten To Men Community Reference Group – represents community perspectives in the Ten to Men study.
Our corporate documents
More information on our strategic direction and priorities, operating environment, performance in the last financial year, approach to reconciliation and more, can be read in our corporate documents: