Thousands of Australian families have been waiting more than a year to have their disputes heard in court. Notorious backlogs in the Family and Federal Circuit courts have reduced slightly in the past 12 months. But more than half of…
Dowry abuse in Australia ‘linked to family violence, murders and suicides’
A Senate committee has identified dowry abuse as a direct cause of family violence, murders and suicides in Australia, but has ruled out recommending a specific law to criminalise the practice. After months of submissions and evidence by individuals and organisations, a…
Brisbane judge’s ruling overturned by Family Court as a ‘gross miscarriage of justice’
A Brisbane judge who sentenced a father of two to jail for contempt of court in a family law case has been sharply criticised by Family Court appeal judges, who described his decision as an “affront to justice”. Key points:…
Federal Circuit Court judges elevated to Family Court
Judge Jillian Williams and Judge Louise Henderson have both been appointed to the Family Court of Australia, moving away from their current positions as judges of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Judge Williams has been assigned to the Melbourne…
What is Islamic dispute resolution and why is it controversial in Australia?
Islamic dispute resolution involves resolving disputes without going to court and is similar to alternative dispute resolution, or ADR. But Islamic dispute resolution has been controversial. Australia’s Muslim community is divided on whether it should be used here, its potential…
Child rapist wants kids to visit him in prison
A VIOLENT child rapist serving 16 years in jail and a domestic violence perpetrator locked up in immigration detention want the Family Court to order their children to visit them behind bars. While the cases are not related, they are…
Parenting arrangements after a FIFO marriage breakup
FIFO is a way of life for many West Australian families, but it can take its toll on relationships. Physical distance between couples, the added responsibility on one partner who often has to assume the role of a single parent…
Why do NZ women fleeing domestic violence face ‘abduction’ charges in Australia?
The Hague Convention on child abduction was drafted to deal with fathers abducting their children across borders after losing custody, but it’s applied mainly to mothers fleeing domestic violence, writes Gina Masterton. Fiona (not her real name) came to Australia from…
High Court rules against ATO, finding tax debts can be shifted between spouses
A recent High Court case has found that a tax debt of one spouse can be shifted to another during a divorce property settlement, which lawyers say is unprecedented and could leave the richer spouse with the debts of their…
Fleeing family violence to another country and taking your child is not ‘abduction’, but that’s how the law sees it
Fiona (not her real name) came to Australia from New Zealand as a 19-year-old backpacker. Here, she met a man, got married and had two boys. The domestic violence began after her first son’s birth, and Fiona endured it for…