Research with us

The Department of Communities encourages and supports research that strengthens evidence-based decision-making to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians, including some of our most vulnerable citizens.
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Support may be provided to research projects through in-kind assistance that involves access to the Department鈥檚 data, facilities, staff, and/or clients. 

To apply for access you must submit an application to the Research Unit and receive approval from the Department.  

The information available on this page will help you to prepare your application. 

Department Research Priorities 

Research Priorities for the Department are currently being developed. The Department is committed to implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the four Priority Reforms within these priorities. 

For research that is relevant for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, Research Application are assessed on, but not restricted to:  

  1. The research contribution to Closing the Gap, including ; 
  2. Alignment with WA Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy; 
  3. Relevant ethical committee approval (ie WAAHEC); 
  4. Completed Aboriginal Data Governance Questionnaire included in the Research Application; and
  5. Specific reference to how the research complies with both: 
  • National Health and Medical Research Council ; and 
  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) . 

The Department research priorities will also align to our 2022-25 Strategic Directions Statement, which defines our Purpose, Vision, Community Outcome goals and Strategic Directions for our work.

Our Strategic Outcomes for 2022-25 are:  

  • Strong families 
  • Care for children 
  • Inclusive communities 
  • A place to call home 
  • Resilient people and communities 
  • A great place to work.  

When delivering new community initiatives and providing essential services, Communities is focused on five strategic directions: 

  • Enabling greater self determination 
  • Fostering earlier intervention and prevention 
  • Applying continuous improvement in service delivery 
  • Pursuing innovative and integrated approaches 
  • Focusing on our people and workplace

Step 1

Research Proposal Application

If you would like to submit a research proposal, please complete the .

Step 2

Research Proposal Review Process

Due to demand for assessment of research proposals, the process may take between 3-6 months depending on the complexity of the research proposal and the engagement required with stakeholders. Please consider these timelines in your research plan.

Research proposals are assessed on, but not restricted to,鈥痶he following key attributes: 

  1. identified alignment of research objectives with departmental research priorities; 
  2. how the research adds to the body of evidence/gap in evidence; 
  3. culturally appropriate/trauma informed methodologies; 
  4. operational impost and burden to us; 
  5. risks for departmental clients and staff are identified. and mitigated, by researchers; and 
  6. requests for in-kind and financial support (departmental and other sources) are clearly articulated. 

All research must conform to privacy provisions under the , and to the standards and principles outlined in the (as applicable).  

For research that is relevant for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, Research Application are assessed on, but not restricted to:  

  1. The research contribution to Closing the Gap, including ; 
  2. Alignment with WA Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy; 
  3. Relevant ethical committee approval (ie WAAHEC); 
  4. Completed Aboriginal Data Governance Questionnaire included in the Research Application; and
  5. Specific reference to how the research complies with both: 
  • National Health and Medical Research Council ; and 
  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) . 

Step 3

Post Approval

If a research application is approved by the Department, researchers must agree to conditions prior to commencing their research which include, but are not limited to: 

  1. Signing Code of Conduct for Researchers states that researchers having direct access to Departmental clients, facilities or client data may be required to provide a Working With Children clearance, at the researcher鈥檚 expense. 
  2. requires that the Department reviews any outputs prior to distribution, such as the submission of research reports, theses, dissertations, manuscripts, conference presentations, journal publications, press releases and internet postings.  
  3.  A copy of the output at least four weeks prior to its intended distribution/public release.  

Researchers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may jeopardize the success of future applications from that particular research institution. 

Step 4

Completion of research findings and feedback to Community and Department

Researchers are required to obtain approval from the Department before any research findings are distributed. Distribution is considered to be the provision of research beyond those persons listed as a researcher on the Declaration page of the Code of Conduct. 

Email research outputs to research@communities.wa.gov.au at least 20 working days prior to any proposed distribution. 

Where the Department deems necessary and appropriate, researchers may be required to present findings back to the Community and/or the Department.  

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