BRAVEHEARTS founder Hetty Johnston says the Prime Minister has turned his “back on thousands of children” by refusing a Royal Commission into Australia’s family law system. The child sexual abuse advocate said she had obtained expert legal advice that showed…
Family law changes to protect abuse victims in court
Domestic violence victims would be shielded from being cross-examined by their abusers under new laws banning self-represented parties from asking questions directly in court. Attorney-General George Brandis has released an exposure draft of the Bill, which enables a court-appointed representative…
Domestic Violence: Family Law Act plan could see end to alleged attackers cross-examining accusers
Victims of family violence would be protected from being questioned in court by their alleged attackers, under draft legislation released by the Federal Government. It follows sustained criticism of the family law system from victims rights advocates and the Federal…
Sydney University adopts law courses pushing for recognition of sharia law, polygamy and young marriage in Australian legal system
THE most prestigious law school in Australia has two courses which call for elements of sharia law to be recognised in the mainstream legal system — including allowances for polygamy and lowering the age of consent. One of the Sydney…
De factos’ superannuation up for grabs in break-up shake-up proposed by industry
The growing number of West Australians in de facto relationships would split their accumulated super nest egg in the event of a break-up under changes to family law being pushed by the superannuation industry. WA is the only Australian jurisdiction…
Education Minister Simon Birmingham rebukes Sydney Uni law lecturers’ sharia push
SYDNEY University has been rebuked by federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham after it was revealed law students were learning that elements of sharia law should be recognised in the mainstream legal system. Mr Birmingham yesterday said religion had no place…
Progress on family law changes
New laws to improve the family law system will be brought to federal parliament later this year. On budget night, the Turnbull government announced it would change the law to protect victims of family violence from the trauma of coming…
Family lawyers welcome new measures
Australian family lawyers have praised a new support initiative in NSW courts, as well as the family law funding commitment in the federal budget. Commonwealth Attorney-General George Brandis QC launched the Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS) in Western Sydney…
Divorce case ordered to be heard in Australia and China
A divorce between a Chinese-Australian couple has exposed the complexities of property settlements in ending cross-border relationships. The case, which first appeared in the Family Court last year followed, by an appeal last month, could have far-reaching implications for property…
Government accused of ‘outsourcing’ family law policy to Safe Schools critic
Labor says ministers have allowed Safe Schools critic Professor Patrick Parkinson too much influence in pilot scheme for ‘parenting hearings’ The federal government has been accused of outsourcing policy over its proposed “parenting management hearings” to resolve family law disputes…