The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) kicks off their national biennial conference with a packed program of over 200 papers exploring how policy-makers and service providers can put families’ lived experiences at the centre of their work to better meet their needs.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the AIFS 2022 Conference will be one of the first opportunities for the new Minister for Social Services, Hon Amanda Rishworth, to meet with Australia’s pre-eminent researchers.

AIFS was founded in 1980 under the Australian Family Law Act 1975, and is Australia’s key research body in the area of family wellbeing.

'The conference is a unique opportunity for government and non-government agencies and experts to focus on emerging research and insights around a range of issues such as gambling harm, family law, elder abuse and elder care, financial stressors, the impact of work on family life, mental health, parenting and child development,' AIFS Director, Dr Sharman Stone said.

At this year’s conference a record of more than 700 delegates will come together for three days of workshops, plenaries, symposiums and papers presented by Australia’s leading experts in the area of family wellbeing. The Minister for Social Services, Hon Amanda Rishworth MP will deliver the opening address.

This year’s conference coincides with Men’s Health Week and Elder Abuse Awareness Day (today) which are two areas of research being presented at the conference.

AIFS research experts will be available for interview at the conference on the following topics and latest research:

• Elder abuse: Dr Rae Kaspiew
• Couples sharing child care: Dr Jennifer Baxter
• Gambling: Dr Rebecca Jenkinson
• Family law: Dr Rachel Carson
• Men’s Health: Dr Sean Martin