Review of the Australian Family Law System & Resources for the Western Australian Family Law System

Commonwealth Attorney General Senator the Hon. George Brandis QC delivered an opening address to the Conference of the Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Western Australia on 9 September 2017.

In his remarks the Attorney spoke about his referral to the Australian Law Reform Commission. The Commission will conduct a wide ranging review of the Australian Family Law system. The Commission is due to report to the Attorney in 2019. The Attorney said “I have commissioned the Australian Law Reform Commission to conduct the first ever comprehensive review of Australia’s Family Law system”.

The Attorney also referred to funding that had been provided that would enable the Family Court of Western Australia to engage and train more Family Consultants. The Attorney said that this would give the Court “earlier access to independent assessments of family issues including the best interest of children”.

The Attorney also spoke about the roll out of a new initiative known as the Family Advocacy and Support Services across Australia, including at six locations in Western Australia. The locations in Western Australia being Perth, Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.

William Sloan Senior Associate  william.sloan@kimwilson.com.au