George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Madigan, that is an extremely important question. I want to thank you for it, and for your interest in it. I can tell you that the Australian Institute of Family Studies is currently evaluating the way in which the Family Law Act deals with family violence, as a result of the 2012 amendments. That report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies is due in August of this year, and the government will consider it with great care—in particular, considering whether any shortcomings in the 2012 amendments, having been identified, require legislative attention.

As well, in October of last year I made a reference to the Family Law Council. I asked the Family Law Council to consider the issues of the jurisdiction of the Family Court in the care and protection of children, and how the jurisdiction of the Family Court and state and territory children's courts intersect. This was with a view to changing the jurisdictional boundaries of those issues which, of course, in particular include family violence issues which affect the interests of children. I asked the Family Law Council to provide me with an interim report on that matter by 30 June—in other words, seven days hence. I expect to receive that interim report then, and I will brief you on it, Senator Madigan. Those are two very important inquiries that are shortly to report: the Australian Institute of Family Studies, which is looking specifically at the definition of 'family violence', the matter which is of concern to you; and the Family Law Council, which is looking at the jurisdictional issues bearing on the same issue.