Families in Australia Survey: Towards COVID Normal

Following the first Life During COVID-19 survey (May-June 2020), AIFS launched its second Families in Australia Survey, Towards COVID Normal, in November 2020.

The Towards COVID Normal survey ran from 17 November to 22 December 2020. We asked Australians 18 years and over to tell us about how they and their families are going as we head heading towards a time that might be described as 'COVID normal'.

How has family, social and daily life changed? What challenges do families continue to face? And what support would help right now?

We wanted to understand how different aspects of family life continue to be affected by COVID-19, including: relationships with other family members; work; education; finances; and mental health and wellbeing.

A series of reports from the survey will be published in the first half of 2021.

Mother sitting with baby in her lap, using laptop to check finances at home.

Research report

Sep 2021

Towards COVID normal: The early release of superannuation,…

This report looks at the COVID early release of superannuation program, the families who accessed superannuation early and how the money was used.

Multi-ethnic couple doing chores cleaning home bathroom

Research report

Sep 2021

Towards COVID normal: Sharing of housework in couple…

This paper presents an overview of reports on sharing housework at different times during 2020 from couples who live together and changes.

Pregnant mother exercising at the beach, holding her toddler's son hand by the sea, during sunset.

Research report

Jul 2021

Towards COVID normal: Impacts on pregnancy and fertility…

This report explores the impacts of COVID-19 on women who were expecting or planning to have a child, and the effect on women’s future plans.

A girl and her grandma sitting on a sofa and smiling at the camera

Research report

Jun 2021

Towards COVID normal: Child care

This report looks at families' experiences of child care, and includes reports on how use was affected by COVID-related restrictions.

Father working from home with his son on his lap

Research report

Jun 2021

Towards COVID normal: Employment & work-family balance

This report looks at families' participation in employment and experiences of work-family balance using the second survey of the Families in Australia