Cost of Children in Australia. Institute of Family Studies Working Paper No. 8.

This report estimates costs of feeding and clothing Australian children at a basic survival level. Detailed information is provided on the types of costs incurred by families at different income levels and with children of different ages. After a brief introduction characterizing the study and summarizing findings, discussion focuses on the history of the Australian government's intervention in alleviating family poverty. Such intervention is subsequently reviewed in relationship to falling birth rates, a changed attitude to children, and an extension of the dependency of young people. Legislation in Australia related to the cost of childrearing is also briefly discussed. Subsequently, the methodological approach of the study is described, and a comparison is made of Australian costs with those of the United Kingdom and the United States. Specifically contrasted are costs for food, clothing, and other items, including costs of household articles, lighting, heating, schooling, entertainment, and holidays. Concluding remarks recommend caution in using the cost figures, delineating some of the calculations' deficiencies. Directions for future research are indicated. Appendices I through III present a minimum diet for preschool-age children, a low cost menu for two adults and two young children, and "costed" food plans for 2-, ,5-, 8-, 11-, and 15-year-olds. Appendix IV discusses budgetary and survey approaches to research on costs of childrearing. (RH)