Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) says there still hasn’t been any consultation on the proposed abolition of the Family Court and this is a worrying indication the safety of family violence victims hasn’t been considered properly.
WLSQ is pleading with the PM to step in and force proper consultation.
“You can’t separate family law and family violence. The fact this reform is being put forward without speaking to the people who deal with victims going through the system is frightening,” Angela Lynch CEO of Women’s Legal Service Queensland said.
“Victims turn to the family law system for their and kid’s safety. Our message to the PM is that there has been a failure to properly consult with experts and it’s time he stepped in if domestic violence is actually a national priority.
“The government is putting a false hope of decreased costs ahead of the safety of victims escaping violence.
“There is no doubt need for change in family law system in how it responds to domestic violence and safety and this is why the government ordered a full review.Now it is ignoring its own review and abolishing a court without thinking it through.”
“Victims of family violence and their children are the losers out of this terrible process. Unfortunately, this can mean devastating outcomes.”