The government still wants a Family Court merger — new research shows why this is not the answer

As federal parliament heads off on its Christmas break, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the legal community and the Australians who use the family law system. Amid a busy final sitting week, the Morrison government’s controversial plan to merge the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court — which both have responsibility for family law — has been shelved until next year. This merger has been on the cards for some time. It passed the lower house earlier this month, despite fierce opposition from Labor, the Greens and legal experts. The Coalition is now seeking Senate crossbench support to create a single court known as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.