On 29 March 2023 the Parliament of Western Australia tabled the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in the House of Representatives.
The proposed amendments are significant reform to the current Family Law System in Australia and the changes will impact families who are exposed to the same. The Bill’s focus is to ensure that the children’s best interests are placed at the centre of the Family Law System and that the system is safer and simpler for families to navigate.
Reasons for the introduction of the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023
The Bill and the proposed amendments have been introduced after extensive consultations with Family Law stakeholders and the production of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Final Report No. 135: Family Law for the Future – An Inquiry into the Family Law System (ALRC Report) and the Government Response to the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s Family Law System (JSC Inquiry).
According to the Explanatory memorandum “These inquiries highlighted a number of challenges facing the family law system, including extensive court delays, complex and confusing legislation and inadequate protection for people at risk of family violence. This Bill will focus on the ALRC Report and JSC Inquiry recommendations relating to parenting and children”.
Please contact the family law team if you require any further information.