ALRC Family Violence Inquiry - monthly newsletter

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11 January 2010The 2009 report of the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children—Time For Action—identified the complex interaction between state and territory family and domestic violence and child protection laws and the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The National Council made a number of recommendations, including that the ALRC should undertake an inquiry into these laws.

On 24 July 2009, the ALRC received Terms of Reference from the Attorney-General of Australia directing the ALRC to consider:

• the interaction in practice of state and territory family and domestic violence and child protection laws with the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and relevant Commonwealth, state and territory criminal laws; and
• the impact of inconsistent interpretation or application of laws in cases of sexual assault occurring in a family/domestic violence context, including rules of evidence, on victims of such violence.

In relation to both issues, the ALRC is to consider what, if any, improvements could be made to relevant legal frameworks to protect the safety of women and their children.

The ALRC is producing a monthly e-newsletter to keep stakeholders and interested individuals informed about the progress of the Inquiry and its consultations. To have the e-newsletter delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe at http://www.alrc.gov.au/inquiries/current/family-violence/about.html.