Publications

This report provides a summary of survey results based on the 2,203 responses received during the Marriage Celebrants Program Review survey.

The purpose of this public consultation is to seek the views of interested stakeholders to identify opportunities to streamline the administrative and regulatory arrangements associated with the Marriage Celebrants Program.

Draft document for review - Notice of intended marriage (NOIM) form, following the commencement of marriage equality in December 2017.

This paper explains the department’s new policy, which reflects submissions received on the discussion paper and responses to the online survey

This paper was developed following consultation with celebrants, their representatives, training organisations and other key stakeholders including state and territory registries of births, deaths and marriages (BDMs) and aspiring marriage celebrants.

Draft Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2017.  Proposed amendments of the Family Law Act 1975.

The consultation paper invited public comment on an exposure draft of proposed legislative amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 to address direct cross-examination of parties in family law proceedings involving family violence.

Currently, families experiencing violence and conflict are often required to engage with multiple courts to address their legal needs. These proposed changes are intended to reduce the need for some families to navigate both the state/territory and federal court systems.

Draft Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill.  Proposed amendments of the Family Law Act 1975 relating to family violence.

In May 2013, Professor Chisholm reviewed the sharing of experts' reports between the child protection system and the family law system. A taskforce comprising representatives from key stakeholder groups assisted with the preparation of this report, which was published in March 2014.

In March 2013, this paper was published. The aim was to find ways to ensure that information relevant to decisions about children is appropriately shared between the family law system, the state and territory child protection system, and the legal aid commissions and independent children's lawyers.

The Family Violence Bill proposes amendments to the Family Law Act 1975.  The Family Violence Bill sends a clear message that family violence and child abuse are unacceptable.  I welcome your comments on this important legislative measure.

Draft Family Law Amendment (Family Violence) Bill 2010.  Proposed amendments of the Family Law Act 1975 relating to family violence.

This discussion paper was released for public consultation. It examined the legal and practical issues that arise when parents have separated and the parent with whom a child lives wishes to move, with the child, from their current home to another place. A final report on Relocation was released informed by submissions received to this paper.

The Family Law Council established its Child and Family Services Committee to examine the interaction between Commonwealth and state and territory child and family legislation.

In late 1994 the council discussed an examination of the general issue of family violence including the social, legal and historical impact of violence on families and how decisions of the Family Court should take violence in relationships into account.

In 1997, the Family Law Council sought public comment on the possible criminalisation of parental child abduction.  This follows a reference of this issue to the Council by the Attorney-General. More information is available in the Discussion Paper - Parental Child Abduction.