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Member Newsletter
Quarter 2 2026
As we settle into winter, we reflect on the first six months of 2026. Earlier this year, the government handed down its 2026-27 Federal Budget, igniting important public conversations about Australia's housing, tax and disability support systems. In May, the National Walk for Truth also reached Parliament House after a 905-kilometre journey led by First Nations leader Travis Lovett. These events highlight the importance of the work that we all do as social policy academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
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The ASPA Management Committee have spent the first half of the year planning some great events and initiatives for members, so keep an eye out for details in your inbox and on social media.
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In the meantime, we are looking forward to seeing many of you at the Australian Social Policy Conference later this year. To those of you who have joined the association as part of their conference registration, welcome to ASPA!
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We hope you all enjoy this issue of our quarterly newsletter.
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Australian Social Policy Association
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The Australian Journal of Social Issues
The latest edition of the Australian Journal of Social Issues has been released. This issue examines a diverse range of issues across Australia's social systems including welfare, disability support, employment, and out-of-home care.
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Snapshot of insights from AJSI Vol. 61(2)
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- Kruger & Evans carried out a critical media analysis of 42 news articles covering the Robodebt scheme. They found that media representations have shifted over time, with more recent coverage platforming the experiences of those affected, and emphasising the negative implications of the scheme.
- Blue et al examine superannuation for Indigenous Australians, with findings supporting the need for "voluntary early access to both the age pension and superannuation, access to pro bono financial planners and a new [...] 4th pillar to the retirement income system" to support Indigenous Australians as they enter retirement.
- Churchill's longitudinal analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey reveals that underemployment is a substantial challenge for young Australians, influencing perceptions of job security and future prospects.
- Gerhard & Grant's thematic analysis found that quality of life amongst carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is influenced by four key stressors: (1) The strain of the deficit-based model (2) Lack of understanding and experience amongst NDIS planners (3) Neglect of carer and family needs and (4) Gendered carer role expectations.
- Manie et al found that Australian stay-at-home dads are affected by gendered assumptions and expectations about caretaking, underscoring the need for more community spaces and services that support and validate stay-at-home dads.
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As ASPA members, you have free access to this journal so we encourage you to explore the wealth of research that it has to offer. You can access AJSI below.
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A reminder to register to attend the Australian Social Policy Conference 2026!
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30 June 2026: Early Bird registration closes
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9 September 2026: Final registration cut-off date
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30 September - 2 October: Conference dates
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This conference will be a great opportunity to network with your peers, and hear from leading researchers, policy makers, community welfare professionals, and advocates.
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Register today through the button below.
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The Department of Social Services are currently accepting submissions for the Second Action Plan on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.
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Real progress also depends on listening carefully, learning together, and being clear about where collective effort can make the greatest difference over the next five years. We want to hear from you and shape the direction together to set a strong foundation for the work ahead.
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You can have your say until 5.00pm
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The Department of Education are hiring for a Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).
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The role provides enterprise leadership across policy, funding advice, stewardship, equity and First Nations outcomes and operates with a high degree of professional independence within Government set policy and legislative frameworks.
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Applications close on 5 July 2026.
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Nominations are open for the Australian Research Council's College of Experts.
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The ARC is seeking nominations from suitably qualified and experienced individuals, including senior academics and end-users across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with peer review and research leadership experience.
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Nominations close on 9 July 2026.
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To support your application, the ARC have developed a nomination kit (here) and instructions to applicants (here).
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Western Sydney University
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The School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University are currently seeking a postdoctoral research fellow in sociology and social policy.
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Your research will focus on equity issues, social justice and social
change, and will contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals research achievements and Western’s 2030 Strategy priorities.
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Applications close on 5 July 2026.
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Member benefits, including previous newsletters and access to the Australian Journal of Social Issues, are accessible via ASPA's Members Area.
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Simply create a password through the password reset link and log in via the ASPA website.
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Our LinkedIn group is a space for current HDR students to network, collaborate, and ask burning questions.
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Do you have something that you would like to promote?
Send us an email at hello@aspa.org.au! We would love to share your next event or job opportunity with our social policy community.
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What's on
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Our Journal
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We are on BlueSky and LinkedIn! Follow us to stay in contact.
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