Australian Work and Family Policy: 1992-2006

Abstract

This paper describes major Australian Government policies which affected families in the years from 1992 to 2006. In 1996 there was a transition from a Labor to a Liberal/National Australian Government, a change which allows this review to examine the policy trends under the two different authorities. The review focuses on policy in the areas of child care, family assistance, income support, industrial relations and maternity leave. The review aims to provide background material for subsequent analysis of changes in men and women’s time use from 1992 to 2006.