Dr Bruce Smyth
BA, PhD
Associate Professor of Family Studies
ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Areas of expertise
- Family Law 180113
- Social Policy 160512
- Family And Household Studies 160301
- Applied Sociology, Program Evaluation And Social Impact Assessment 160801
- Policy And Administration 1605
Research interests
Post-separation patterns of parenting
Child support
Relocation and parenting disputes
Allegations of family violence in family law proceedings
Financial living standards after separation
Spousal support
Binding pre-nuptial agreements
Mandatory divorce mediation
Research methods
Biography
Prior to joining the ANU in March 2007, Bruce worked at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) as a Senior Research Fellow. He was a member of the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support (2004-05), and is in the final year of an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship investigating high conflict post-divorce shared-time families.
Researcher's projects
Bruce Smyth, Bryan Rodgers and the research team have recently completed an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project Grant to examine the impacts of the 2006-2008 child support reforms in Australia.
Bruce is currently on an ARC Future Fellowship studying high conflict shared-time families after separation.
Current student projects
Maria Vnuk, Doctoral candidate, Mothers who pay or should pay child support in Australia
Nea-Ann Bax, Doctoral candidate, Exploring the relationship between re-partnering, parental involvement, family dynamics, and family well being
Tempe Archer, M Phil candidate, The recent parliamenmtary inquiry into the Australian Child Support Program: A critical review
Publications
- Smyth, B, McIntosh, J, Emery, R et al 2016, 'Shared-time parenting: Evaluating the evidence of risks and benefits to children', in Leslie Drozd, Michael Saini, Nacy Olesen (ed.), Parenting Plan Evaluations: Applied Research for the Family Court (2nd edition), Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 118-169.
- Moloney, L, Smyth, B, Richardson, N., & Capper, S. 2016, Understanding parenting disputes after separation. Research Report 36. Australian Institute of Family Studies: Melbourne.
- Vnuk, M, Smyth, B & Archer, T 2015, 'Comment on the 2015 report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Child Support Program', Family Law Review, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 155-167.
- Smyth, B & Vnuk, M 2015, 'Non-resident parents', in G. Ritzer (ed.), The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., USA.
- McIntosh, J, Smyth, B & Kelaher, M 2015, 'Responding to concerns about a study of infant overnight care postseparation, with comments on consensus: Reply to Warshak (2014)', Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 111-119.
- Smyth, B, Rodgers, B, Son, V et al 2015, 'The Australian child support reforms: A critical evaluation', Australian Journal of Social Issues, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 217-341.
- Smyth, B, Chisholm, R, Rodgers, B et al 2014, 'Legislating for shared-time parenting after parental separation: Insights from Australia?', Law and Contemporary Problems, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 109-149.
- Fehlberg, B, Smyth, B & Trinder, L 2014, 'Parenting issues after separation: Developments in common law countries', in John Eekelaar and Rob George (ed.), Routledge Handbook of Family Law and Policy, Routledge, Abingdon, UK and New York, USA, pp. 215-227.
- Vu, B, Rodgers, B & Smyth, B 2014, 'The impact of child support changes on the financial living standards of separated families in Australia', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 193-232.
- Smyth, B, Vnuk, M, Rodgers, B et al 2014, 'Can child support compliance be improved by the introduction of a 'fairer' child support formula and more rigorous enforcement? The recent Australian experience', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 204-220.
- Smyth, B, Baxter, J, Fletcher, R et al 2013, 'Fathers in Australia: A contemporary snapshot', in David W. Shwalb, Barbara J. Shwalb, Michael E. Lamb (ed.), Fathers in Cultural Context, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, New York and Hove, pp. 361-382.
- McIntosh, J, Smyth, B & Kelaher, M 2013, 'Overnight care patterns following parental separation: Associations with emotion regulation in infants and young children', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 224-239.
- McIntosh, J & Smyth, B 2012, 'Shared-time parenting: An evidenced based matrix for evaluating risk', in Kathryn Kuehnle and Leslie Drozd (ed.), Parenting Plan Evaluations: Applied Research for the Family Court, Oxford University Press, USA, pp. 155-187.
- Smyth, B, Rodgers, B, Allen, L et al 2012, 'Post-separation patterns of children's overnight stays with each parent: A detailed snapshot', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 18, no. 2-3, 202-221.
- Smyth, B, Rodgers, B, Vu, S, B, Allen, L and Vnuk, M. 2012, 'Separated parents' knowledge of how changes in parenting-time can affect child support payments and Family Tax Benefit splitting in Australia: A pre-/post-reform comparison', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 181-213.
- Smyth, B & Rodgers, B 2011, 'Strategic bargaining over child support and parenting time: A critical review of the literature', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 25, pp. 210-235.
- Smyth, B, McIntosh, J & Kelaher, M 2011, 'Research into parenting arrangements for young children: Comment on Cashmore and Parkinson', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 25, pp. 258-271.
- Fehlberg, B, Smyth, B, MacLean, M et al 2011, 'Legislating for shared time parenting after separation: A research review', International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 318-337.
- Kaspiew, R, Behrens, J & Smyth, B 2011, 'Relocation disputes in separated families prior to the 2006 reforms: an empirical study', Family Matters, vol. 86, pp. 72-78.
- McIntosh, J, Smyth, B, Kelaher, M et al 2011, 'Post-separation parenting arrangements: Patterns and developmental outcomes: Studies of two risk groups', Family Matters, vol. 86, pp. 40-48.
- Smyth, B, ed., 2011, Some reflections on research translation for policy and practice, Journal of Family Studies, 17(2).
- Smyth, B 2010, 'Child support: Ongoing and emerging challenges', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 16, no. 1.
- Smyth, B 2010, 'Parent-child contact Australia: Exploring five different post-separation patterns of parenting', in Emily Buss and Mavis Maclean (ed.), The Law and Child Development, Ashgate Publishing Ltd, London, pp. 261-280.
- Smyth, B & Henman, P 2010, 'The distribution and financial impacts of the new Australian Child Support Scheme: A 'before and day-after reform' comparison of assessed liability', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 5-32.
- Moloney, L, Smyth, B & Fraser, K 2010, 'Beyond the formula: where can parents go to discuss child support together?', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 33-47.
- Fehlberg, B, Smyth, B & Fraser, K 2010, 'Pre-filing family dispute resolution for financial disputes: Putting the cart before the horse?', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 197-208.
- Behrens, J, Smyth, B & Kaspiew, R 2010, 'Outcomes in relocation decisions: Some new data', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 97-103.
- Behrens, J & Smyth, B 2010, 'Australian Family Law Court Decisions About Relocation: Parents' Experiences and Some Implications for Policy', Federal Law Review, vol. 38, pp. 1-20.
- Smyth, B 2009, 'A 5-year retrospective of post-separation shared care research in Australia', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 36-59.
- Behrens, J, Smyth, B & Kaspiew, R 2009, 'Australian Family Law Court Decisions on Relocation: Dynamics in Parents' Relationships across time', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 222-246.
- Moloney, L, Smyth, B, Weston, R et al 2008, 'Different types of intimate partner violence? Reply to Wangmann's comments on AIFS report', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 279-295.
- McIntosh, J, Wells, Y, Smyth, B et al 2008, 'Child-focused and child inclusive divorce mediation: Comparative outcomes from a prospective study of postseparation adjustment', Family Court Review, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 105-124.
- Smyth, B, Temple, J, Behrens, J et al 2008, 'Post-separation geographic mobility in Australia: Some preliminary data on behaviour, disputes and attitudes', Relocation Disputes in Australia, ed. Behrens, J., Smyth, B., & Kaspiew, R., Australian National University, Canberra, pp. 17-43.
- Smyth, B & Moloney, L 2008, 'Changes in patterns of post-separation parenting over time: A brief review', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 7-22.
- Smyth, B 2008, 'Parent-Child Contact in Australia: Exploring Five Different Post-Separation Patterns of Parenting', in Andrew Bainham (ed.), Parents and Children, Ashgate Publishing Ltd, London, pp. 407-428.
- Smyth, B, Weston, R, Moloney, L et al 2008, 'Changes in patterns of post-separation parenting over time: Recent Australian data', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 23-26.
- Smyth, B, Moloney, L, Weston, R et al 2007, 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in children's proceedings: A pre-reform empirical snapshot', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 252-287.
- Moloney, L, Smyth, B, Weston, R et al 2007, 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings: key findings of Australian Institute of Family Studies Research Report No. 15', Family Matters, vol. 77, pp. 8-15.
- Moloney, L, Smyth, B, Weston, R et al 2007, Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings: A pre-reform exploratory study. Research Report No. 15, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne.
- Smyth, B 2007, 'Non-resident parents', in George Ritzer (ed.), The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford UK, pp. 3223-3227.
- Smyth, B, Richardson, N & Soriano, G, eds, 2006, Proceedings of the International Forum on Family Transitions, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne.
- Smyth, B & Chisholm, R 2006, 'Exploring options for parental care of children following separation: A primer for family law specialists', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 20, pp. 193-218.
- Smyth, B 2005, 'Time the rethink time? The experience of time with children after divorce', Family Matters, vol. 71, pp. 4-10.
- Smyth, B 2005, 'Modernising the child support scheme: Some reflections', Family Matters, vol. 71, pp. 58-61.
- Smyth, B & Weston, R 2005, 'Attitudes to child support in Australia', Family Matters, vol. 71, pp. 46-57.
- Smyth, B & Weston, R 2005, A snapshot of contemporary attitudes to child support, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne.
- Fehlberg, B & Smyth, B 2005, 'Binding prenuptial agreements in Australia: The first year', in Linda Mulcahy, Sally Wheeler (ed.), Feminist Perspectives on Contract Law, Glasshouse Press, London, pp. 125-137.
- Smyth, B 2005, 'Parent-child contact in Australia: Exploring five different patterns of post-separation parenting', International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 1-22.
- Smyth, B, Caruana, C & Ferro, A 2004, 'Fifty-fifty care', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 17-30.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Little or no contact', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 31-50.
- Smyth, B & Whitfield, C 2004, 'Holiday-only contact', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 51-66.
- Caruana, C & Smyth, B 2004, 'Daytime-only contact', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 67-84.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Research design', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 11-16.
- Smyth, B & Wolcott, I 2004, 'Why study parent-child contact?', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 1-10.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Summary and conclusions', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 123-135.
- Smyth, B, Caruana, C & Ferro, A 2004, 'Father-child contact after separation: Profiling five different patterns of care', Family Matters, vol. 67, pp. 18-25.
- Smyth, B, ed., 2004, Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne.
- Rodgers, B, Smyth, B & Robinson, E 2004, 'Mental health and the family law system', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 50-70.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Parent-child contact schedules after divorce', Family Matters, vol. 69, pp. 32-43.
- Moloney, L & Smyth, B 2004, 'Family relationship centres in Australia: Reflections based on research and practice', Family Matters, vol. 69, pp. 61-66.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Child support policy in Australia: Back to basics?', Family Matters, vol. 67, pp. 42-45.
- Smyth, B & Wolcott, I 2004, 'Food and family transitions: Cooking in the aftermath of divorce', Home Economics Institute of Australia. Journal, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 2-8.
- Smyth, B 2004, 'Postseparation fathering: what does Australian research tell us?', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 20-49.
- Smyth, B & Weston, R 2004, 'The attitudes of separated mothers and fathers to 50/50 shared care', Family Matters, vol. 67, pp. 4-11.
- Parkinson, P & Smyth, B 2004, 'Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with father-child contact arrangements in Australia', Child and Family Law Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 289-304.
- Smyth, B, Qu, L & Weston, R 2004, 'The demography of parent-child contact', in Bruce Smyth (ed.), Parent-child contact and post-separation parenting arrangements (Research report no. 9), Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, pp. 111-122.
- Smyth, B, Caruana, C & Ferro, A 2003, 'Shared parenting: The views of separated parents with 50:50 care arrangements', Family Matters, vol. 65, pp. 4-11.
- Smyth, B & Moloney, L 2003, 'Therapeutic divorce mediation: Strengths, limitations and future directions?', Journal of Family Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 161-186.
- Smyth, B 2002, 'Research into parent-child contact after parental separation: Some methodological challenges', Family Matters, vol. 62, pp. 33-37.
- Smyth, B 2002, 'Child support for young adult children in Australia', International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 22-37.
- Fehlberg, B & Smyth, B 2002, 'Binding pre-nuptial agreements in Australia: The first year', International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 127-140.
- Smyth, B & Ferro, A 2002, 'When the difference is night and day: Parent-child contact after separation', Family Matters, vol. 63, pp. 54-59.
- Smyth, B, Sheehan, G & Fehlberg, B 2001, 'Post-divorce Parenting Patterns: A selection of findings from the Institute's Australian Divorce Transitions Project', Family Matters, vol. 59, pp. 61-63.
- Smyth, B, Sheehan, G & Fehlberg, B 2001, 'Patterns of parenting after divorce: A pre-Reform Act benchmark study', Australian Journal of Family Law, vol. 15, pp. 114-128.
