Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my fellow senators for contributing to the debate on the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016. The bill amends the Migration Act 1958 to strengthen provisions to prevent family violence within visa programs. It builds on the work the government has already undertaken to provide information in the form of a predeparture pack to support visa applicants coming to Australia that clearly states that family violence is unacceptable in Australia.

A key element of this bill will be to put in place a framework that will require a sponsor of a family stream visa to be assessed and to be approved before a visa application can be made. In addition, it will require sponsors to agree to the results of their character checks being shared with the persons they are sponsoring so that they can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with their application or not, especially in circumstances in which children are involved in the application. These amendments are an important part of the government's initiative to ensure that women and their families are safe from violence. The amendments support and deliver on important elements of the Second Action Plan in the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. In summary, I believe that the bill deserves the support of all senators, and I commend the bill to the chamber.