Abolition of the Family Court 'an act of vandalism' that could endanger women, children

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“The current system does need to change but in no way would we have ever advocated for a dilution of specialisation,” said Angela Lynch, spokeswoman for Women’s Legal Services Australia. “There is little doubt that that will increase safety and risk concerns for women and children in Australia.”

Mr Porter told Fairfax Media this week his solution to the problem was the less “radical” choice, which had the least impact on existing personnel. He said moving appeals to the Federal Court would free up Family Court judges to hear about 1500 extra cases a year – while a redrafted set of rules, yet to be determined, would provide a “single point of entry” for families entering disputes.

“It is impossible to ignore the problem,” Mr Porter said. “The cause of the problem is so obvious that I think it just demanded change.”

But the Law Council of Australia’s chair of family law – practising family lawyer Wendy Kayler-Thomson – said the decision to drift away from a specialist court flew in the face of the evidence presented to government from experts, research and even parliamentary inquiries.

“It’s almost like we’re in a parallel universe,” she said. “It runs the risk of families with complex needs appearing in court without having a judicial officer who has the skills and experience to quickly and adequately deal with those needs.”