Acknowledgments

This report relied on a number of people and groups, including:

  • The communities across Australia;

  • The authors and analysts from the University of Canberra;

  • The Dropping off the Edge Advisory Group comprising experts in research, policy and community practice who provided advice on the overall report and findings;

  • The expert group from the University of Canberra comprising experts in in a range of areas pertinent to the study who provided advice on their area of specialty;

  • Government and community service contacts in each state and territory;

  • Jesuit Social Services research, policy and advocacy staff.

COMMUNITIES

We acknowledge all the communities across Australia that were the focus of this research. In gathering data and reporting on their circumstances our aim is to throw a spotlight on disadvantage and prompt Governments to make long term, wise investments that will lead to positive change.

In particular, we express our ongoing commitment to stand in solidarity with the people and communities who bear the burden of disadvantage and acknowledge their strengths and resilience. We thank the community members who spoke with us as part of the qualitative component of this research – for their generosity of spirit in sharing their experiences, insights and wisdom, and for their commitment to making their communities ones where everyone can flourish and thrive.

AUTHORS AND ANALYSTS

The lead researcher at the University of Canberra was Professor Robert Tanton. Professor Lain Dare led the qualitative analysis. Andrew Yule and Professor Marita McCabe led the team from Jesuit Social Services. Analysts at the University of Canberra were Associate Professor Riyana Miranti and Associate Professor Yogi Vidyattama. Isabella Carmody helped with the literature review and editing.

ADVISORY GROUP

The Advisory Group provided extensive advice on the report and the findings. In particular, we are grateful for the generous advice of Professor Ross Homel throughout the project. The advisory group comprised:

  • Lin Hatfield Dodds

  • Cassandra Goldie

  • Professor Ross Homel

  • Paul Jelfs

  • Kym Moore

  • Associate Professor Margot Rawsthorne • Professor Peter Saunders

  • Dr Geoff Woolcock

EXPERT GROUP

The expert group were academics at the University of Canberra who provided advice on the choice of indicators; the literature review; and the final report. They were:

  • Associate Professor Neil Coffee

  • Professor Bernd Gruber

  • Professor Barbara Norman

  • Associate Professor Phil Roberts

  • Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer

Professor Knibbs at the Centre for Air pollution, energy and health Research shared data on Particulate Matter 2.5 used in the analysis.

We also acknowledge the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and Gandel Foundation for supporting this important research and the publication of its findings.