Parenting arrangements after separation
Research summary— October 2019
Summary of the findings from studies of post-separation parenting outcomes, including family law case files analyses and surveys of separated parents.
Facts and Figures
Facts and figures provides broad trends in Australian families. These trends are primarily based on statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), though data from major Australian surveys are also used.
Births in Australia
The 309,142 births in Australia in 2017 was the third-highest figure on record. Conversely, with Australian women averaging only 1.74 children over a lifetime, the total fertility rate was the lowest on record.
Young people living with their parents
The data show that more young people are choosing to stay at home and live with their parents into their early adulthood.
Marriage rates in Australia
From 1970 until 2000, the proportion of Australians marrying fell steadily. It then stabilised for a decade before falling again.
Divorce rates in Australia
In 2016, the crude divorce rate (divorces per 1,000 Australian residents) was the lowest since 1976.
Population and households
The latest facts and figures about Australia's population and types of households.
Work and family
This data looks at parents and employment, the division of work, parental leave and work arrangements used to care for children.
Older people
This page reveals figures around life expectancy for older Australians, the significance of maintaining social networks, and caring for grandchildren.
Life satisfaction across life course transitions
Lixia Qu and David de Vaus
Australian Family Trends No. 8 — September 2015
Does life satisfaction improve or decline as people grow older? What happens to people's outlook as they pass through the common events of life?
The nature of living alone in Australia
David de Vaus and Lixia Qu
Australian Family Trends No. 9 — December 2015
What is the nature of living alone and what does it means to the individuals involved?
Living alone and personal wellbeing
David de Vaus and Lixia Qu
Australian Family Trends No. 10 — December 2015
How does living alone influence social connection, health behaviours and subjective wellbeing?
Attitudes towards intergenerational support
Ruth Weston and Lixia Qu
Australian Family Trends No. 11 — November 2016
Examines the views of Australians about the obligations of parents and their adult children concerning financial and accommodation support.
