Australian Attorney General - "... the most significant reforms to the family law system in 30 years"

The Attorney-General
Philip Ruddock MP

Media Release 099/2005

25 May 2005

EASIER, QUICKER, SIMPLER: A CLEARER PATHWAY IN FAMILY LAW

Parties in family law cases will have an easier, quicker and simpler way to commence proceedings, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock announced today.

Mr Ruddock said a new combined registry would be established as a result of cooperation between the Family Court of Australia, Federal Magistrates Court and the Attorney-General's Department.

"The combined registry is a key part of the package of the most significant reforms to the family law system in 30 years," Mr Ruddock said.  

"It will reduce confusion and cut red tape for families by providing a single entry point to the courts and improve the coordination of cases."

Mr Ruddock welcomed the release by the Courts of the Combined Registry Information Kit.

The Combined Registry Information Kit, currently being distributed to a range of stakeholders, explains the key components of the combined registry and seeks comment on the proposed model.  

Mr Ruddock said the process for resolving family law disputes will be less complicated, less adversarial and the Courts will be easier to access for those people unable to resolve their disputes through mediation.

"Most matters will be channelled to the Federal Magistrates Court first. There will be one registry and simpler forms and fees in filing for family law matters," he said.

There will also be a single application form and a single file for each case.  

The Kit also includes feedback forms which can be used to provide comments and ideas on the establishment of the new registry.  

Clients also will be able to obtain information from the registry about the family law system and a new ?Family Law Courts? website.

The Combined Registry Information Kit is available by calling 02 6243 8733 or e-mailing combined.registry.project@familycourt.gov.au.