Published: 19 October 2016
Author: Danae Lekakis

Where to now? Examining 40 years of the Family Law Act

Today at the 17^th National Family Law Conference

The 17^th National Family Law Conference began today with a look back at the last 40 years of the Family Law Act and a new focus on the contemporary and future issues facing the profession (see previous RCT blog: How adaptive has the Family Law Act been?).

This morning’s State of the Nation Address was delivered by eminent figures in Family Law including Chief Justice of the Family Court, the Honourable Chief Justice Diana Bryant and Chief Judge John Pascoe of the Federal Circuit Court.

The State of the Nation Address highlighted the revolutionary nature of the no fault provisions of the Family Law Act 1975, and spoke about an underfunded family law system ‘in crisis’.

All speakers further noted a need to amalgamate currently disparate Child Protection, Criminal and Family Law systems to better facilitate access to justice and protect victims of domestic violence.

We look forward to hearing more insightful opinions and reflections on family law in Australia as the conference continues.