Review of Family Courts by Commonwealth Government

The Attorney General has announced a long overdue review of the family law system.  It is something that we have been advocating for some time as we have seen that the system is now failing families.  There are many reasons why, not the least of which is that the dynamics of Australian families has changed over the last 40 years.

Unfortunately it will be quite some time before we see any recommendations, let alone the implementation of those recommendations.  One way to assist the current system would be to appointment Registrars to assist the existing Judges in both courts or alternatively appointment more Judges to relieve the strain on the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court.

Senator George Brandis  said in his press release “I have today commissioned the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to undertake the first comprehensive review of the family law system since the commencement of the Family Law in 1976.  This review is necessary and long overdue. Australian families and their needs have significantly evolved since the 1970s.   The review of the family law system will be broad and far reaching, focusing on key areas of importance to Australian families.  These include ensuring the family law system prioritises the best interests of children, best addresses family violence and child abuse, and supports families, including those with complex needs to resolve their family law disputes quickly and safely while minimising the financial burden.

You can read the entire press release and terms of reference at the following link:  170927 – MR – Family Law Review Terms of Reference