News

Access to Justice (Family Court Restructure) Bill *

Implement reforms to the structure and governance of the Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court to secure better access to justice for litigants and better use of publicly funded resources provided to the federal family law courts

Reason for legislation: to restructure the Federal Magistrates Court and Family Court and to improve the operation of the courts

Link to announcements: Media release of 20 November 2008 ; Consultation paper of November 2008 ; Media release of 5 May 2009 ; Media release of 24 May 2010 ; Media release of 24 June 2010

Family Law Amendment Bill

• Encourage resolution of disputes outside courts and tribunals by enhancing alternative dispute resolution options for parties to family law proceedings
• Improve Australia’s response to international parental child abduction

Reason for legislation: to enhance family dispute resolution

Link to announcements: Media release of 17 May 2010 ; Media release of 19 September 2011