Mission and Values

Our mission is to promote the wellbeing of all Australian families by working from a network of services, organisations, carers, consumers and communities, and developing policy and research which is informed by the rich diversity of families and communities.

Families Australia is an organisation which:

  • is an independent national voice on family matters
  • seeks to foster a good national public policy environment in which family-related issues and the family and community sector can prosper
  • focuses on informing and influencing national policy at the highest government levels
  • strongly advocates for the cultural diversity and the value of families
  • reflects Australia's diversity
  • is pro-active in support of justice and equity for Australian Aboriginal and Islander peoples
  • takes a broad and inclusive approach in all its work
  • is practical in orientation, yet has an eye to longer term policy development
  • is constructive and collaborative across all stakeholder groups, including government
  • is highly strategic and targeted in what it does and is politically astute
  • is well managed and governed.

Goals

Families Australia goals are to:

  • be a leading organisation in the field of family policy by working in collaboration with other stakeholders
  • work towards recognition of, and support for, the needs of families, young people and children
  • provide a strong national voice and advice to government on issues that impact upon families, as well as facilitate the voices of families when they speak about family policy
  • improve policy, programs and service delivery with a particular focus on the interface between Australian and State/Territory responsibility
  • advocate for adequate resources and ensure that family policy reflects the diversity of family forms, addresses disadvantaged circumstances experienced by many families, and has a primary emphasis on the best interests of children and young people
  • initiate or undertake research that contributes to improved knowledge, policy programs, and service delivery practice.