Families are the oldest and most basic of all human groups; they have been around since prehistoric times and are to be found in some form in all societies. It is difficult to find a definition for `family' that covers all types, which can also stay valid through time, as the nature of families change. Definitions range from; "a social group which usually takes responsibility for physical care and protection, procreation and child rearing, and the socialisation and psychological support of its members" (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board 1900, pg. 8) to "whatever the family means by family is what the family is" (Eastman 1991, Introduction). An Australia society that accepts greater diversity in the nature of families also requires a broader definition of family.

The nature of family in Australia is undergoing constant change. Advances in technology, changes in gender roles, migration, education, employment patterns and changing social attitudes are...