Family law is the most likely way the Australian community will encounter the Australian legal system. Access to justice is thus imperative to resolve family law disputes and is a fundamental aspect of a fair and equitable legal system.

In response to terms of reference endorsed by the Attorney-General, the Family Law Council considered options and avenues for making the family law system more accessible and equitable for separating families, acknowledging that prolonged parental conflict and litigation can adversely impact the wellbeing of children. Considerations included:

• ways to enhance the availability and use of family dispute resolution
• addressing barriers to the use of family law arbitration
• ways to enhance Government-funded family law services and other family law services for matters involving family violence and to better assist families with complex needs
• ways to enhance Government-funded and other family law services for diverse families
• options for improved post-order support
• ways to increase access to plain language information and education about family law.

In addressing the terms of reference, the 29 recommendations in the report focus on three areas: legislative reform, in particular, to alternative dispute options; greater utilisation of technology; and program reforms to the legal and allied services sector.