A new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) came into being this week (1 September) with the Attorney-General declaring its structure addressed the confusion, costs and delays Australian families had experienced under the previous two-court system.
The Attorney, Senator Michaelia Cash said the new FCFC provided a single point of entry to the family courts with a consistent set of rules, processes and procedures, which would make the system simpler and less confusing.
“The FCFC also provides for an effective case-management approach in family law to support a simpler, faster and cheaper system, while maintaining a focus on the safety of everyone affected,” Senator Cash said.
She said family law appeals would now be managed more efficiently and all judges of the FCFC would be able to hear them.
The Senator said appointment criteria for family law judges had also been strengthened.
“Judges hearing family law matters need to satisfy additional appointment criteria to ensure they are suitable to deal with family law matters, including family violence,” Senator Cash said.
“This is important to ensure that judicial appointees are suited to deal with the unfortunate reality that many matters coming before the family law courts involve family violence.”
She congratulated the Chief Justice, Will Alstergren (pictured), judges of the Family Court and court staff for their significant achievement in preparing for the beginning of the new structure.
“I am pleased that the court is embracing innovation and technology,” she said.
“In this regard, the court’s new website is an important source of information to help users easily navigate these important changes,” Senator Cash said.
The FCFC website can be accessed at this PS News link.
