Additional funding is desperately needed to help families who are struggling through the Family Law Courts.
Far North Coast Law Society President Clarissa Huegill said the Federal Government’s budget commitment of $80 million to family law and family violence services would help with urgent repairs to the family law system.
The Federal Government’s commitment of $55.7 million to the community legal sector would also assist vulnerable people who might otherwise be left without vital legal services.
However Ms Huegill said additional judges and resources for the Family law Courts were desperately needed to help reduce workloads and chronic delays.
“These commitment are welcome, however much more is needed to repair a system in crisis. Some families spend years and thousands of dollars struggling through mediation and court processes,” Ms Huegill said. “We would welcome additional funds for existing dispute resolution services in the family law courts and judges to help reduce the delays people are experiencing and hardships for families.”
Ms Huegill also said greater funding for legal aid was also needed to improve access to justice for those in need including for social workers and psychologists who could also assist family members in distress.
