Lead researcher: Professor Edward Santow (University of Technology) | 2022 – present

 Governments are increasingly using facial recognition technology for a range of purposes, from service delivery to law enforcement. With strong legal guardrails, and clarity about its functions for government, facial recognition technology can bring significant public benefit. This project addresses these challenges by developing an effective governance and training framework that will help assist Service NSW.

Lead researcher: Associate Prof Margot Rawsthorne (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

The recent Lismore floods provide a powerful example of current community dissatisfaction with government policy in disaster management. This project addresses the exclusion of community ‘voices’ at the policy and structural level by exploring new models of partnership that enact shared responsibility at the local level of disaster planning and preparation.

Lead researcher: Associate Prof Ghena Krayem (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

It is well-known that domestic and family violence has risen during the COIVD-19 pandemic. Victims from culturally and linguistically diverse and faith-based communities have been particularly affected by compounding barriers to accessing much-needed services. This project considers the challenges and examines whether investments have been sufficient to adequately support these communities.

Lead researcher: Associate Prof Ann Dadich (Western Sydney University) | 2022 – present

Communities across NSW have recently experienced major disasters, including fires, floods, lockdowns, and COVID-19. This project focuses on the role of government and non-governmental organisations in fostering community resilience by facilitating social connectedness for vulnerable families. It will engage key stakeholders and integrate lived experiences of those rarely consulted.

Lead researcher: Prof Rae Cooper AO (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

This project will translate an extensive body of established research into new, evidence-based principles to support the NSW government in building a gender-equal future of work. It aims to provide evidence to integrate gender equality into recovery policies and long-term economic planning and develop innovative gender-responsive policymaking that will boost productivity, economic growth, and the well-being of all people in NSW.

Lead researcher: Prof Amy Conley -Wright (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

Young people who go missing or run away from their out-of-home care placements can become particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. This project explores how these youth interact with services providing a well-rounded perspective on the experience of children and young people who run away from care. The project aims to inform government strategies and budget allocations for targeted prevention and early intervention.