Report on the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child-rearing practices in family law

On 10 January 2005 Council provided a report to the Attorney-General on the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child-rearing practices in family law. The report recommends four changes to the Family Law Act 1975 to assist courts to take into account the kinship obligations and child rearing practices of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other recommendations concern expanding the Family Court’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant program, and exploring better ways of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship practices by other Federal and State government agencies.