Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

With all due respect, we're talking about section 60B, and what I've put forward is not in the objects of the parenting framework. You've already stated, for the record, that the majority of people going through the litigation are going to be unrepresented. For those of you who don't know what unrepresented means, it means I don't have the benefit of legal counsel. It means I'm fronting to the court by myself and I am presenting my case. I may have access to the Family Law Act. I am then expected to go: 'Right, section 60B—let me read that. Oh, gosh, that's what it says.' That's as opposed to flipping it open and reading the objects and principles and having half an idea as to where I might stand, seeing as I don't have the benefit of counsel because I can't afford it and I'm now going to be arguing my case for access myself. Do you agree that children have a right to spend time on a regular basis with and communicate on a regular basis with both of their parents and other people significant to their care, welfare and development, such as grandparents and other relatives?