Mother caring for child. Source : Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
The Albanese Government released a response to the Select Committee Family Law Inquiry that addressed various issues in family law.
The inquiry covered issues that included additional training, accreditation and monitoring of family law professionals and associated services, court delays and legal costs, enforcement of court orders, addressing family violence, and how the Child Support Scheme is operated.
The Federal Government agreed with the Committee in considering simplifying and clarifying relevant legislation regarding resolving parenting issues and orders.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the current government is committed to ensuring the family law system operates as it should, and that it is accessible and safe for all involved.
“The government is committed to restoring the family law system so that it is accessible, safer, and simpler to use.” Mr Dreyfus said.
“This includes addressing the backlog of recommendations from family law inquiries under the former government, such as the reports of the Joint Select Committee and Australian Law Reform Commission’s 2019 report, Family Law for the Future.” He said.
The government has already taken steps to implement various Committee recommendations.
In the 2022-2023 Budget, it was confirmed that $87.9 million would be allocated over four years to expand the Lighthouse Project, an approach to managing family safety risks in Australian courts.
The government has also confirmed that they are considering ways to support families and resolve financial issues that occur post-separation, and ways to improve standards for professionals and services.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the government seeks to change the system to ensure all those involved are protected, and this would improve welfare outcomes for victims and survivors of family violence.
“It is critical that long, complicated and adversarial court proceedings can have negative effects on the health and wellbeing of people who are already in a fragile emotional state dealing with the breakdown of a relationship – including children.” Ms Rishworth said.
“The government will bring together key stakeholders and experts to provide a strong voice on child support issues and ensure our system remains fit for purpose and achieves better outcomes for children.” She said.
The inquiry lasted two years and concluded on 22 November, 2021, when the Committee released the final reports and recommendations.
