We undertake research in various fields including urban renewal, tenant participation, housing needs for specific target groups,affordable housing, labour market studies, CALD communities and Indigenous issues, and the impact of change on particular localities and communities. Many of these studies have had significant impacts upon policy and resource allocation. JSA also conducts pro bono research into important social issues where funding is not available.

Examples of our work include:

• Recently completed a model strategic planning process for Community Legal Centres NSW to assist Community Legal Centres better meet legal need within their communities. JSA identified a set of socio-economic indicators that highlight communities or areas most likely to experience both ‘met' and ‘unmet' legal need.  Data for these indicators was analysed for the 153 LGAs in NSW to provide needs-based evidence for future planning.

• Indigenous Housing Study and Service Strategy for the NSW Department of Housing in 14 regional, rural and remote communities, that involved profiling the existing and projected characteristics of these geographic communities at a desktop level, working with and through key local Indigenous community structures, groups and leaders to distribute and consult on this material, work with communities to gather more qualitative information regarding the accuracy and meaning of quantitative data, and explore the range of strategies required to ensure improved service delivery and more appropriate housing provision. This involved recommendations for common strategies and those related to the needs and capacity of individual communities. (See the Strategic Directions Paper and/or the Study Summary Report.)

• Bonnyrigg Baseline Survey research methodology developed in consultation with the local community to be affected by the redevelopment of their estate.