A new approach to family law

The Government maintains its very strong commitment to the role of the family unit in our society. Children raised in a stable, happy family environment are an important asset for Australia’s future.

The Government’s reforms to the family law system will provide assistance to families experiencing difficulties, to help avoid separation.

In the unfortunate cases where family breakup occurs, the Government will provide couples with an opportunity to resolve child custody issues without the need to go to court. The system will focus on the best interests of the child.

Family relationship centres

This will be done through providing $199 million over four years to fund the establishment of 65 new family relationship centres. These centres will help separating parents resolve child custody disputes in a less adversarial way outside the formal court system. This will make it easier to resolve disputes before court proceedings start. As part of this initiative, $10 million will be provided to Rural Outreach Services.

Family relationship services

The Government will invest $137 million over four years to maintain the increased funding provided in 2004-05 to the Family

Relationship Services Programme, expand early intervention, prevention and pre-marriage education services, and continue ongoing funding for Men’s Line.

Together these will strengthen the family environment.

In addition, this budget expands other current services, providing $54 million over four years for 15 new services under the Contact 0rders programme, 30 new services under the Children’s Contact services programme and additional dispute resolution services.