Social dimensions of sustainability

Community indicators: Stage 2: development of indicators and identification of data sources

Not-for profit research strategy development

Wakakirri evaluation

Community indicators: Stage 2: development of indicators and identification of data sources
Client: City of Sydney

In Stage 1 of this project (see description in 2010 projects) the research team reviewed international and Australian literature and worked with Community Indicators Victoria to develop a conceptual approach and an indicator framework for the City of Sydney to monitor sustainability and wellbeing in the local area. In this second stage of the project, the team went on to populate this framework, by identifying indicators and suitable data sources for the various policy areas in each of the five 'domains'. For example, in the 'healthy, safe and inclusive communities' domain, the team identified appropriate indicators for policy areas that included health and wellbeing, community connectedness, service availability and early childhood. For each domain, the research team consulted with a large number of relevant City of Sydney staff, to ensure that the indicators developed were suitably tailored to the local context, and that the associated data collection and collation tasks were realistic for Council to undertake. With the completion of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of this project, the City now has a comprehensive, integrated and holistic approach to monitoring wellbeing in the local area.

Partridge, E,, Chong, J., Herriman J., Daly, J. & Lederwasch, A., 2011, City of Sydney indicator framework [prepared for City of Sydney], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia.

Not-for profit research strategy development

Development of a research strategy for Campbell Page, a large not-for-profit organisation providing employment, training, disability and community services. ISF worked with the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, to develop the Research Strategy, a process which included desktop research and planning and facilitation of a staff workshop. The completed strategy provides a framework for the development and expansion of social research activities at Campbell Page. It provides a long-term strategic direction for research, and articulates how the organisation's research agenda will support and help to deliver on its mission, vision and values. Specifically, the strategy details how research activities will help to improve service delivery to clients, inform communication and engagement with stakeholders, and influence broader social policy debates in Australia.

Wakakirri evaluation
Wakakirri Association

An evaluation of Wakakirri - a national story sharing arts festival accessible to every school in Australia was conducted by ISF researchers. The research explored how well Wakakirri as an organisation is achieving its objectives - namely to promote community messages, bridge cultural divides, promote sustainability and provide a unique teaching tool for schools. The evaluation included online surveys of teachers and students, and interviews with teachers. Research findings were compiled into a report that provides an assessment of how well the organisation's objectives are being achieved, and suggests areas for improvement.

Partridge, E.Y. 2011, 'How well is Wakakirri meeting its objectives?', [prepared for Wakakirri Association], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. Download/view

Community indicators: Stage 1: conceptual approach and indicator framework

Home based sex services policy research

Incorporating active living principles into plan-making: a case study of the Newleaf Bonnyrigg public housing redevelopment

Kinglake West sustainable sewerage project: Mutual learning for social change

Strategic thinking in leadership

Sustainable destinations

Community indicators: Stage 1: conceptual approach and indicator framework
Client: City of Sydney

A community indicator framework that incorporates community wellbeing and sustainability indicators was developed for the City of Sydney. The framework includes social, environmental, economic, cultural and governance dimensions, and covers a comprehensive range of policy areas in each. Institute researchers reviewed international and Australian literature and practice to inform the development of the framework. They also consulted Council staff to ensure their approach aligned with the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision and other Council planning documents. The project was conducted in partnership with Community Indicators Victoria, drawing on and extending the lessons learned from that initiative, and maximising comparability between the City of Sydney indicator framework and that used in Victoria. In this first stage of the project the research team developed the conceptual approach and designed the overall indicator framework, including the five domains and associated policy areas. (In Stage 2 the team populated the framework by developing specific indicators within each policy area, and identifying appropriate data sources, see description in 2011 projects).

Partridge, E. & West, S., 2010, Community indicator framework (Stage 1: conceptual approach and framework development), [prepared for City of Sydney], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia.

Home based sex services policy research
Client: City of Sydney

Research on the types, practices and impact of home based sex services operating in the City of Sydney was undertaken through interviews with operators and stakeholders. The research found the impact on residential amenity in terms of noise, antisocial behaviour, late night disruption etc was minimal given the priority placed on discretion in the operation of such services. A number of operational and long term strategic challenges in relation to regulation and governance of home based sex services were identified. The research found good practice management information on home based sex services which deal specifically with management issues, could be produced to ensure that the current knowledge and experience of workers can be shared with any people considering operating a home based sex service. It also found the issue of safety of workers needs to be further explored and ideally addressed collaboratively with all stakeholder groups with a view to improving the work environment for home based sex workers.

Incorporating active living principles into plan-making: a case study of the Newleaf Bonnyrigg public housing redevelopment
Client: Premiers Council for Active Living (PCAL)

A web based case study was researched and written to show how the Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project (also known as NewLeaf) will enable and encourage active living by virtue of its careful design and planning. Institute researchers examined the plans for this New South Wales Government initiative to redevelop and revitalise a large 1970s public housing estate in Western Sydney. They found the redevelopment demonstrates many of the elements recommended by the ’Designing places for active living ’ guidelines developed for the for the Premier ’s Council for Active Living (PCAL). The project is the first time that the Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL) Designing Places for Active Living guidelines have been included in the formal conditions of consent for a major development process. The completed case study provides a clear example of how active living principles can be incorporated into plan-making to reduce vehicle use, encourage walking and cycling, and increase social interaction, in part by linking the development with the significant existing transport and community and commercial infrastructure in the surrounding area. Careful planning will create medium density housing within a network of footpaths, placing most residents within a 5 to 10 minute walk of the nearby rapid bus transit system and local retail, commercial and community services in Bonnyrigg Town Centre.

Kinglake West sustainable sewerage project: Mutual learning for social change
Client: Yarra Valley Water

The Kinglake sustainable sewerage project is a trial of alternative sewerage services for Kinglake West households (Victoria). Recruited residents have installed urine diverting toilets (UDTs), onsite treatment of greywater for non potable reuse, and Septic Tank Effluent Pump/Gravity (STEP/STEG) systems for blackwater management. This social research project aims to identify the experiences, practices and attitudes of householders to using UDTs. The research has involved developing a suite of engagement tools for households to ensure appropriate use and maintenance of UDT systems. A user manual and signage for residents will therefore encourage easy operation and maintenance of UDTs and the associated systems. The methodology for the research included a literature review of user manuals for UDTs; pre- and post-installation interviews with householders adopting UD systems; the use of diaries for householders to track their experiences over a two month period; workshops for residents and other key stakeholders and a wrap-up focus group. The Institute and Yarra Valley Water (YVW) have developed a collaborative relationship in piloting UDTs with YVW sponsoring a UDT pilot project at UTS. Both the Kinglake and UTS trial contributes to the limited literature on whole of system design of UD systems, while documenting the experience of users in both an institutional and residential setting in Australia.

Strategic thinking in leadership
Client: Centre for Community Welfare Training in Sydney

The Institute's Dr Chris Riedy conducted a one day workshop for the Emerging Leaders program run by the Centre for Community Welfare Training in Sydney. This program aims to cultivate potential leaders within the community sector through an intensive evidence-based leadership program. Chris introduced participants to alternative approaches to planning and direction that take account of future opportunities and critical uncertainties in the community sector. These approaches included futures thinking, backcasting, strategic questioning and joined-up thinking. Chris uses integral theory as a theoretical framework as it helps participants to think more strategically about problems and brings multiple perspectives to understanding problems and solutions. Integral theory encourages us to complement systemic perspectives with a deeper understanding of human interiors - our individual values and shared cultures.

Sustainable destinations
Client: Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre

Research was undertaken to assess urban residents’ perceptions of tourism, the challenges that tourism presents for urban local governments and the way tourism affects social qualities of cities. The data collection methods used in this study included a literature review, focus groups and resident surveys. The focus groups were used to elicit council opinions regarding the impacts of tourism on local government and their constituent communities; the perceived net costs or benefits of these impacts; and how these impacts are addressed. The outcomes from the focus group and the understandings gained from the literature review were then incorporated into the questionnaire for the resident survey. The study was undertaken in Australia’s three major urban destinations—Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The research led to the development of a destination audit tool for managers of urban destinations. The report is available from the Sustainable Tourism CRC.

Active travel case study: Fairfax Media workplace

Evaluation of World Vision Australia’s advocacy campaigns

Gender equity grants evaluation

Healthy planning in local government: case study

Regional environments that promote active living - research and development of website case study materials

A snapshot of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainability in NSW Councils

Social analysis of the implementation of the Roe Highway Stage 7

World Wide Views on Global Warming

Evaluation of World Vision Australia’s advocacy campaigns
Client: World Vision

The Institute conducted an independent evaluation of World Vision Australia’s advocacy campaigns undertaken between 2005 and 2009. The aim of the project was to evaluate World Vision’s organizational capacity to run effective advocacy campaigns. The project began with a desk based review of existing World Vision documents, plans and strategies. Institute staff then facilitated a workshop with the advocacy campaigns team and other key World Vision staff and conducted 46 semi-structured interviews with staff and external stakeholders. The evaluation considered the successes and achievements of each campaign as well as their strengths and weaknesses and lessons learned. Recommendations were then developed for a series of next steps that might build campaign impact and effectiveness, and improve the integration of advocacy campaigns within the organisation and provide guidance for future measurement and evaluation of advocacy campaign work.

Gender equity grants evaluation
Client: University of New South Wales

The Institute was asked to evaluate the University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) Equity Initiative Grant scheme that operated from 2003 to 2006. The scheme supported initiatives to address the under-representation of women in various aspects of academic life, from students through to senior staff. The review was based on a range of data on each of the 21 funded initiatives, an analysis of formal reports and other publications, and findings from semi-structured interviews with the grant holders. The scheme was reviewed against its own stated aims, with a focus on whether the scheme had created the kinds of structural and cultural changes that are thought to contribute to improving the representation of women in academic life. The report identified strengths, weaknesses and overall effectiveness of the scheme. It considered both tangible outputs and less tangible outcomes such as perceptions about the success of an initiative and feedback from participants on the impact it had. The report assessed whether progress had been made since completion of the funded projects, and identified reasons for any lack of progress. It also included reflections on lessons learned from the operation of the grants scheme and identified a range of common gender issues that arose. Based on the evaluation findings, the report provided recommendations to inform the direction of a possible future grants program.

World Wide Views on Global Warming

A group of 105 ordinary Australians came together in Sydney on 25 & 26 September 2009 to deliberate on international climate change action and develop policy recommendations. Participants in WWViews Australia were chosen to reflect the national demographics of age, ethnicity, income, family type, education and gender. They discussed the same questions put to citizens in 38 other countries over the same period. Recommendations were given to climate change negotiators prior to the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 15) . The University of Technology, Sydney was the Australian partner of the international WWViews alliance and Institute researchers found sponsors, recruited the participants and facilitators, coordinated the event's logistics and compiled the results for the Australian event. Sponsors for the Australian event included UTS, Pricewaterhousecoopers, National Australia Bank and WWF Australia. This world-first global citizen engagement process used deliberative methods, producing more meaningful results than opinion polls. Participants were given the opportunity to learn about climate change issues and to then develop proposals through open dialogue. At the Australian event, 98% of the participants were found to be concerned about climate change and believed a binding global climate deal at COP 15 was urgent. The event also showed decision-making forums like this can feasibly be used to inform future policy on complex issues. The WWViews project won a highly commended prize in the International Association for Public Participation's annual awards in the robust public participation category.

Atherton, A.M. & Herriman, J. 2009, The World Wide Views Australia Story, [World Wide Views on Global Warming], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Atherton, A.M. & Herriman, J. 2009, The World Wide Views Australia Story - Summary, [World Wide Views on Global Warming], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. ?View/Download

Active travel case study: Fairfax Media workplace
Client: Premier's Council for Active Living

Research was undertaken to identify features of the Fairfax Media workplace at Darling Island in Sydney that promote active travel such as walking, cycling, using public transport and car-sharing. These features were assessed against a set of criteria developed by the NSW government's Premier's Council for Active Living (PCAL). The workplace is featured on the PCAL web site an example of how organisations can encourage and assist their employees to incorporate physical activity into their daily travel. Fairfax provides first class end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and walkers (secure cycle racks, showers, lockers, free toiletries and a towel service), easy access to public transport services and subsidised travel passes. Fairfax also has a communications strategy to make employees aware of their active transport options. The Premier's Council for Active Living encourages the integration of physical activity into daily routines - at work, at home, in leisure time and through transport choices. A rapidly growing body of evidence demonstrates that being active in everyday life not only has substantial positive impacts on health, but also has environmental, social and economic benefits.

A snapshot of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainability in NSW Councils
Client: Department of Environment and Climate Change

Research undertaken to provide a 'snapshot' of the current picture of Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainability (EfS) activities within a selection of NSW Councils, with a focus on how these activities are integrated into the plans, activities and organisational culture of the Councils. Information was gathered via an online survey and a series of follow-up interviews with 8 selected Councils. The project report prepared for the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, describes the kinds of education and community engagement activities with environmental or sustainability content that are currently taking place in these Councils. It reflects on the status of such activities within the Councils by looking at related decision-making processes, resourcing issues, attitudes towards such activities, and their level of integration and prioritisation within Council organisational structures and cultures.

Healthy planning in local government: case study                        
Client: Heart Foundation

Research and writing of a case study illustrating the innovative partnership work undertaken by Bellingen Shire Council and the North Coast Area Health Service to embed 'healthy planning' principles into Council policies and plans. See: http://www.pcal.nsw.gov.au/case_studies/bellingen

Social analysis of the implementation of the Roe Highway Stage 7
Client: MurdochLINK Pty Ltd

Provision of social research services to MurdochLink, as a sub-consultant on a larger project assessing the implementation of Stage 7 of the Roe Highway in Western Australia. ISF assisted with the social analysis component of this project.

Regional environments that promote active living - research and development of website case study materials
Client: Premier's Council for Active Living

This project explored how built environments can contribute to the promotion of active living, with a focus on regional areas of NSW. The project developed a series of regional case studies to illustrate Designing Places for Active Living - a set of planning and design guidelines developed by the Premier's Council for Active Living (PCAL). The research investigated a number of environments and built form projects in regional NSW to determine whether they demonstrated the application of the PCAL 'Active Living principles'. Research was conducted into a selection of those projects determined to be good examples, and concise case studies were then developed (with text and photographs) for inclusion as part of the Designing Places for Active Living resource on the PCAL website.  The case studies can be found on the PCAL website:http://www.pcal.nsw.gov.au/case_studies (opens an external site)     

Creating sustainable neighbourhoods: web-based factsheets

Activism and advocacy

Australia-India sustainability study tour

Urban environments that promote active living - research and development of website case study materials

Creating sustainable neighbourhoods: web-based factsheets
Client: CSIRO

ISF was commissioned to research and write a number of factsheets for the CSIRO 'Your Development' website - an information resource for the development industry on best practice in sustainable mixed-use development. ISF factsheets include: 'Community integration', Community Facilities', 'Walkable neighbourhoods', 'Tools and rating systems for land developers', 'Smart metering'. The factsheets can be accessed from the Your Development website:http://www.yourdevelopment.org/ (opens an external site)

Strategies to engage people in activism and advocacy
Client: Cancer Council of NSW

Research project investigating strategies to engage people in activism and advocacy. The project consisted of a literature review, including theoretical and practice-based literature, as well as a series of research interviews with representatives from a range of non-profit advocacy organisations. The scope was deliberately broad, and included activism and advocacy of any kind (ie not necessarily health-related) and considered e-activism as well as face-to-face activism. Issues considered include recruitment strategies, methods for sustaining and increasing members' involvement, and member communication strategies. Another question asked by the project was how organisations can measure the success of their advocacy strategies, and how non-profit advocacy organisations can learn from each other's approaches in this area. The research will inform the Cancer Council NSW as it seeks to develop strategies to engage people in activism and advocacy associated with cancer control.
Partridge, Emma, (2007), Strategies to engage people in activism and advocacy: research report, [prepared for the Cancer Council (NSW)], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney. Download/view (PDF 2.34MB)

Australia-India sustainability study tour
Client: IDP Australia Pty Ltd

ISF was a key participant in the 2008 Australia India Universities Youth Forum (AIUYF). An initiative of IDP Education Australia Ltd, the Forum brought together 40 Indian and 40 Australian university students for a sustainability-themed study tour. ISF assisted with program planning, content development and organisational aspects of the Sydney component of the tour. This included organising thematic presentations by ISF staff, participating in workshop and panel sessions and taking the students on a 'green building' site visit.

Urban environments that promote active living - research and development of website case study materials
Client: Premier's Council for Active Living

This project developed case studies to illustrate Designing Places for Active Living - a set of planning and design guidelines developed by the Premier's Council for Active Living. The research investigated a number of urban environments and built form projects in Sydney to determine whether they demonstrated the application of the 'Active Living principles' devised by the Premier's Council for Active Living. Research was conducted into a selection of these projects determined to be good examples, and concise case studies were then developed (with text and photographs) for inclusion as part of the Designing Places for Active Living resource on the PCAL website (opens an external site). The 'Designing Places for Active Living' web resource, can be found on the Premier's Council for Active Living website at: http://www.pcal.nsw.gov.au/planning_and_design_guidelines (opens an external site)

Active transport for parents and children at Council preschools and childcare centres

The influence of environmental groups on individual pro-environmental action

New directions in teaching and learning

Painting the landscape: a cross cultural exploration of public-government decision-making

Active transport for parents and children at Council preschools and childcare centres
Client: Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils

This action research project was underaken by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), with funding from the Local Government and Shires Associations' (LGSA) Healthy Local Government Grants Program. ISF contributed a range of research services to this collaborative project, and authored the final report - a resource for Councils that is published on the SSROC website (see link below). 'Active transport' is any physical activity undertaken as a means of transport. It usually refers to walking and cycling, although public transport can also be included as the journey usually involves some physical activity (e.g walking to the bus stop). As an alternative to private vehicle use, active transport has significant health, environmental and community benefits. In the context of this project, active transport includes parents walking with their children, pushing them in a stroller, cycling with childseats, or taking public transport together. The project investigated the reasons for the current, highly car-dependent travel behaviour of parents taking their children to and from childcare centres and the barriers to active transport. The three Sydney Councils involved in this project, namely Waverley, Marrickville and Sutherland Shire, used the research to inform the development of interventions to help increase the use of active transport in their communities. As a research contribution to the project, ISF conducted a literature review, developed a survey for parents (and analysed the results), prepared context studies for each of the pilot sites, and developed a comprehensive resource for Councils at the conclusion of the project.
Partridge, E.Y. 2007, Active Transport for Childcare Centres: A Case Study and Resource for Councils, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney. View/Download paper (PDF 3.1MB)

The influence of environmental groups on individual pro-environmental action
Client: Department of Environment and Climate Change

ISF partnered with the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, Australian Conservation Foundation, the Total Environment Centre and Nature Conservation Council of NSW to investigate what actions individuals in NSW are taking for the environment and how environmental groups of various types are influencing their levels of action.  It also assessed what influence the recent profile-raising of the climate change issue may have had on individuals' behaviour. The research was undertaken via a literature review, telephone-based interviews, an online survey and focus groups. The primary audience for the research were members and supporters of environmental groups  as well as those who are actively pursuing pro-environmental behaviours in purchasing and within the home but who are not currently involved in environmental groups. The report considered how to engage this audience more effectively and motivate individuals to become more active in addressing environmental issues.

New directions in teaching and learning
Client: University of Technology, Sydney

Research into teaching and learning best practice in Australia and overseas was undertaken to inform the development of a transdisciplinary postgraduate program in sustainability leadership at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Institute researchers reviewed a range of models on course content and teaching methods, market trends and student needs, and the practical requirements for beginning a potential new course at UTS. The project engaged partners from across faculties, and facilitated collaboration and ownership of the course within UTS through a series of focus groups, a workshop with national experts, and soliciting comments on a draft course outline. An operational plan was developed that identified key next steps for potential course commencement. The research led to an invitation to write the following book chapter:

Willetts, J.R., Carrard, N.R. & Herriman, J. 2009, 'Transdisciplinarity: realising its potential to support effective postgraduate sustainability teaching and learning' in Leal Filho, W. (eds), Sustainability at Universities - Opportunities, Challenges and Trends, Peter Lang Publishing Group, Germany, pp. 299-312.?View/Download from: UTSiResearch | Publisher's site

Painting the landscape: a cross cultural exploration of public-government decision-making
Client: International Association for Public Participation

This work is part of a large international research project, being undertaken by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), called 'Painting the Landscape: a cross cultural exploration of public government decision-making. The research project investigates how and why public participation/deliberation is used in different social, political and community settings within different countries and different regions of the world.

Research questions include:
• What does public participation/deliberation mean in different cultural contexts?
• How do different cultures create a space within the government decision-making structure for public involvement?
• Is the distance between the public and the government increased or decreased?
• What are the results of the public's involvement; what actions have citizens taken?

The research study interviewed 70 people in seven different regions (Africa, Australasia, Canada, Latin America, Southeast Asia, United States and UK/Western Europe). ISF conducted a number of the interviews for the Australasia region. Interviewees included elected officials, government staff members, decision makers, and people who work professionally in the public participation field. Work undertaken by ISF included providing advice on suitable interview subjects for the Australasian region, piloting the interview schedule, conducting a series of face to face and telephone interviews with the chosen subjects (of approximately 1-2 hours duration each), and undertaking the subsequent qualitative analysis of the interview material. The data analysis identified major themes, similarities and differences, provided individual reflections on the process and its findings, and related the interviews to current public participation research. The project is funded by the Kettering Foundation, a nonprofit organization that conducts research with professional administrators and public officials around the world. The foundation studies how democratic practices can bridge the gap between the public and the formal institutions of government. International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) web site: http://www.iap2.org (opens an external site) Kettering Foundation web site: http://www.kettering.org (opens an external site). View/download the final report for this international project that was published in 2010.

Young people and the environment: a literature review

Research to inform the Street Based Sex Work Strategy

Gender audit for the Democratic Audit of Australia

Sexuality audit for the Democratic Audit of Australia

Young people and the environment: a literature review
Client: Department of Environment and Climate Change (Parramatta Office)

The purpose of this review was to inform the development of a theoretical framework for young people's participation and consider options for involving young people in environmental decision-making processes. The review collated research on young people's attitudes to the environment, and their involvement in environmental matters. It also provided an assessment of the theoretical issues pertaining to 'young people's participation', and described the types of models that are commonly established to enable young people to 'participate' in government policy development and decision-making. It considered the strengths and weaknesses of these models, and some of the common critiques that are made of them. It provided an assessment of 'what works' in youth participation, listed the key features of effective youth participation and included a list of principles for good practice.The literature review will be available on the DECC web site shortly: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au (opens an external site)

Research to inform the Street Based Sex Work Strategy
Client: City of Sydney

ISF conducted two pieces of research to assist the City of Sydney in the development of its Street Based Sex Work Strategy. We undertook a review of existing reports and data, summarising key issues and analysing the material with regard to:

• Amenity and safety issues for street based sex workers
• Health issues for street based sex workers
• Amenity and safety issues for residents
• Community attitudes to street based sex work
• The regulation and management of street sex work (including legal issues and the role of state agencies)

ISF also assisted the City of Sydney to analyse and write up the results of a survey with street based sex workers and their clients. The report summarised the findings of the surveys that were undertaken with 19 clients and 14 street based sex workers in East Sydney and Darlinghurst. The findings were discussed, and implications drawn out for the City of Sydney and other agencies that play a role in managing the activities and impacts associated with street based sex work. The Institute's report made a number of recommendations for improving planning and management strategies, as well as for conducting further research in relation to this issue.

Gender audit for the Democratic Audit of Australia
Client: Australian National University

This report, 'How well does Australian democracy serve Australian women?', was co-authored by Emma Partridge and Sarah Maddison at UNSW. It is part of the large Democratic Audit project at ANU, which conducts research to assess Australia's strengths and weaknesses as a democratic society. The gender audit is one of a number of 'focused audits'.

The authors consider the extent to which Australian democracy has achieved a susbstantive gender equality. It does this within the conceptual framework for a healthy democracy that informs the Democratic Audit of Australia. This is constituted by four principles, namely:  
• popular control over public decision-making;
• political equality in exercising that control;  
• the principle of deliberative democracy; and  
• the principle of human rights and civil liberties.

The report focuses on a number of key components in the provision of gender equality, specifically:
• The legislative framework that is intended to eliminate discrimination against women;
• The level of representation of women in various spheres of Australian life;
•The policy machinery that was developed in order to monitor the impact of public policy on women; and
• The degree to which women's non-government organisations are consulted with, have access to, and are supported in their relationships with government.

The analysis is situated in the international context, assessing Australia's progress towards gender equality against the measures outlined in the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA).

Partridge, E.Y., Maddison, S. 2007, How well does Australian democracy serve Australian women? Report No. 8, [prepared for Democratic Audit of Australia], Australian National University, Canberra. View/Download paper (PDF 817.12KB)

Sexuality audit for the Democratic Audit of Australia
Client: The Australian National University

This report, 'How well does Australian democracy serve sexual and gender minorities?', was co-authored by Emma Partridge and Sarah Maddison at UNSW. It is part of the large Democratic Audit project at ANU, which conducts research to assess Australia's strengths and weaknesses as a democratic society. The sexuality audit is one of a number of 'focused audits'. The authors consider the extent to which Australian democracy protects and advances the rights of sexual and gender minorities. It does this within the conceptual framework for a healthy democracy that informs the Democratic Audit of Australia. This is constituted by four principles, namely: • popular control over public decision-making; • political equality in exercising that control; • the principle of deliberative democracy; and • the principle of human rights and civil liberties.

The report focuses on three key areas concerning the provision of sexual equality, namely
• The legislative framework that is intended to eliminate discrimination against sexual and gender minorities;
• The recognition and certification of spousal and parenting relationships in gay and lesbian couples and families;
• The public policies and social attitudes that continue to affect the daily lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transexual and intersex (GLBTI) people in Australia.

Maddison, S. & Partridge, E.Y. 2007, How Well Does Australian Democracy Serve Sexual and Gender Minorities? Report No. 9, [prepared for Democratic Audit of Australia], Australian National University, Canberra. View/Download paper (PDF 208.38KB)

NSW Water Pricing Guidelines and Country Town Communities

An economic valuation of community legal centres

Community EmPOWERment

NSW Water Pricing Guidelines and Country Town Communities
Client: Public Interest Advocacy Centre

The Utility Consumers' Advocacy Program (UCAP) within the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) commissioned ISF to conduct research on the impact of NSW water pricing guidelines on country town communities. The objectives of the research were to:

• Examine the use of price as a major mechanism to achieve water conservation by rural residential water users, including equity implications and the impacts on the community more broadly
• Better understand the potential contribution of price and non-price measures to achieve appropriate water conservation
• Gauge attitudes and acceptance of price and non-price measures to achieve appropriate water conservation.

Of particular interest was the impact of the Best Practice Management guidelines, released by the NSW Government in 2004, on rural consumers. The project involved a literature review on the impacts of rural water pricing and primary research with representatives from local government and welfare agencies in three rural communities. The report made a series of recommendations for improved water pricing practices and greater use of non-price measures to encourage water conservation.

Riedy, C.J. & Partridge, E.Y. 2005, NSW Water Pricing Guidelines and Country Town Communities, [prepared for The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney. View/Download paper (PDF 2.91MB)

An economic valuation of community legal centres
Client: National Association of Community Legal Centres

The project valued the 'public good' contribution of community legal centres (CLCs). A case study based approach was used to illustrate the range and values of market and non-market costs and benefits of these services. Work by CLCs provides clear private benefits to individual clients, many of whom live in disadvantaged circumstances and have legal problems that are interlinked with other problems in their lives. What is less well recognised are the broader public benefits provided to society as a result of the work of CLCs. Such recognition is critical to identifying the total economic value generated by CLCs' services. The Institute found that much of the work of CLCs is preventative and therefore produces important, but somewhat "invisible" benefits and "avoided costs" to society. The precise costing of such benefits is notoriously difficult, but ISF's work illustrates the need for them to be at least considered. Our report demonstrates the intrinsic benefit to society of providing social service, welfare, assistance, protection and information to vulnerable citizens. Overall, the report found that CLCs provide enormous value for money, with benefits to individuals and to society far outweighing the public funds CLCs expend. Our work helped the NACLC to demonstrate that an upfront investment in CLCs by government is cost effective. Importantly, it also showed that through collaboration with government, legal aid, the private legal profession and community partners, CLCs deliver beneficial outcomes for their clients and communities, contribute to an improved justice system and deliver significant benefits to society as a whole. National Association of Community Legal Centres: http://www.naclc.org.au/ (opens an external site) Combined Community Legal Centres Group (NSW): http://www.nswclc.org.au/clcs.html (opens an external site)

Edgerton, N. & Partridge, E.Y. 2006, The Economic Value of Community Legal Centres, [prepared for Combined Community Legal Centres Group NSW & National Association of Community Legal Centres], Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney. View/Download paper (PDF 781.34KB)

Community EmPOWERment: The Institute developed this project with the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (opens an external site) to understand what makes people increase their electricity use, what stops them from reducing it, and what can be done to help them reduce it. A series of workshops giving participants a chance to have their say and learn about ways to reduce home electricity use were held from July until early September 2004.

Perspectives on Weirs in the Upper Nepean

Social, Economic, Cultural and Heritage Monitoring Program

Perspectives on Weirs in the Upper Nepean, for the Hawkesbury Nepean River Management Forum: The purpose of the study was to identify the values held by river users and community members, including irrigator groups along the river, in relation to identified weirs on the Upper Nepean River. This involved identifying the nature of the social and economic relationship between relevant river stakeholders and the weirs, the concerns they might have with any change to current management of weirs, and the ways in which the various stakeholder groups would want to participate in decision-making processes in relation to the weirs. A participatory method was adopted, with semi-structured surveys of the relevant stakeholders.

Social, Economic, Cultural and Heritage Monitoring Program, for the Hawkesbury Nepean River Management Forum: The purpose of this project was to advise the Forum on processes required to monitor significant social, economic, cultural and heritage impacts in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment. In particular, it addressed the potential impacts associated with implementing various river management strategies and changing river conditions. This involved a literature review focusing on the political nature of impact assessment and the importance of community participation in decision-making. Telephone surveys were also held with selected river stakeholders regarding what should be monitored and how monitoring should be conducted.

Review of Illegal Dumping in NSW

Rural Medical Family Support Project

Social Sciences and Sustainability Roundtable

Review of Illegal Dumping in NSW, for the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Resource NSW: The purpose of this project is to inform future initiatives in the prevention of illegal dumping, by researching the nature, extent and causes of the illegal dumping problem in NSW, and different mechanisms which have been used to control it. Key to the research methodology is in-depth consultation with a range of stakeholders (state government, local government, industry and NGO's). The first phase involved telephone interviews with stakeholders (excluding local government), while the second phase (underway) will involve surveys of all NSW councils.

Rural Medical Family Support Project, for the Department of Health and Ageing: This research to defined and implemented community based strategies to meet the family support needs of rural GPs, in particular, and rural communities more generally. As part of the project, nine family support strategies were defined in consultation with rural GPs and their spouses and implemented over a six-month period. These strategies included the preparation of three discussion papers, working with local organisations to extend opportunities for musical/theatre and sporting/recreation opportunities in rural areas, particularly for children, and practice management training opportunities. The following discussion papers were produced during this research project:
The 21st Century GP: recruitment and retention in rural Australia (PDF 127.23KB)
The Practice of Flexible Practice (PDF 100KB)
Working from home: a solution to the employment of rural medial spouses? (PDF 85.94KB)

Social Sciences and Sustainability Roundtable
The Social Values Unit at CSIRO and the Institute for Sustainable Futures held a Roundtable on Friday 12 December 2003 for social scientists who work on sustainability. Papers from this Roundtable have been published by CSIRO. (opens an external site)

Barriers to Mainstreaming Sustainability in the Building Industry, for Planning NSW and the Sustainability Advisory Council

Projects completed in 2002

Barriers to Mainstreaming Sustainability in the Building Industry, for Planning NSW and the Sustainability Advisory Council: The purpose of this project was to assess the barriers to implementing sustainability in the residential property industry. The project identified and mapped the main barriers to 'mainstreaming' sustainable residential development, using extensive stakeholder consultation across the relevant government and industry sectors, and an emergent process to map results. The project has since been acknowledged as the most comprehensive consultation process the NSW development industry has seen.

Independent Review of Container Deposit Legislation

The New Competitive Energy Market: How Co-operatives and Regional Australia Can Benefit

Improved Processes for Public Participation in Policy Development on Urban Sustainability Issues                                        

Independent Review of Container Deposit Legislation, for the NSW Minister for the Environment: included a major social research component, using a range of approaches to determine public perceptions and preferences in relation to CDL. Social research methods employed included stakeholder and community interviews, a citizens' jury and a large scale tele-vote. It was the first time in the world that both a citizen jury and a televote were combined.

Improved Processes for Public Participation in Policy Development on Urban Sustainability Issues, for the NSW Environmental Protection Authority and the University of Technology, Sydney: The Institute conducted a major study of what was call "extended public participation", or practical applications of representative and deliberative processes for public policy-making, such as citizen juries and consensus conferences. The project included a case study on waste policy in NSW, and was conducted in collaboration with Dr Lyn Carson from Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney.

The New Competitive Energy Market: How Co-operatives and Regional Australia Can Benefit: A forum was convened by ISF and the Australian Centre for Co-operative Research and Development, to discuss issues faced by rural and regional Australia and co-operatives in a competitive energy market. Download proceedings (PDF 665.5KB)

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