The Law Society of NSW has slammed moves to cut short the public submission date for important reforms to family law.

President of The Law Society of NSW Doug Humphreys said he was disappointed public submissions for two significant bills to amalgamate the Family and Federal Circuit Courts had been brought forward to September 14, 2018.

The September deadline overrides a vote by the Senate for the reporting date to be set at 15 April 2019.

“The decision by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee leaves just three weeks for public consultation on the most significant changes to the family law system in years,” Mr Humphreys said.

Mr Humphreys said the Federal Government’s proposed introduction of the reforms on January 1, 2019 gave the judiciary, legal profession and other stakeholders insufficient time to consider around 200 pages of complex legislation.

“These changes will have a significant impact on the many families who turn to the family law system to help them resolve complex and emotional disputes,” Mr Humphreys said.

“We urge the Senate Committee to extend the consultation period to ensure the public has an adequate say in the future of the family law system.”

CONTACT

Marianna Papadakis | Media and Public Relations Manager
The Law Society of New South Wales
T: +61 2 9926 0288 | M: +61 413 440 699 | E: media@lawsociety.com.au