New order for family violence

Quote: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will launch the report with the Minister
for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, in Canberra today. It is believed
Ms Plibersek hopes the national register of family violence orders -
accessible by all courts throughout the country - would eventually lead to
orders being applicable across different jurisdictions.

I presume different jurisdictions will include New Zealand?False allegations of domestic violence will crucify many downunder dads.The Family Court makes orders without evidence and does not allow any appeal rights. So UNFAIR !!


http://www.theage. com.au/national/ new-order- for-family- violence- 20090428- am28.html




The Age (Melbourne)
29 April 2009

New order for family violence
By Dewi Cooke

Family violence orders protecting women and their children could eventually
be enforceable across all states and territories under a Federal Government
plan to create a national register of orders issued by courts and police.

The system of national registration is among the recommendations to be
adopted by the Federal Government from the Time for Action report into
combating violence against women.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will launch the report with the Minister for the
Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, in Canberra today. It is believed Ms
Plibersek hopes the national register of family violence orders -
accessible by all courts throughout the country - would eventually lead to
orders being applicable across different jurisdictions.

One of the report's authors, Libby Lloyd, said each state now had its own
system for issuing protection orders and if a woman moved interstate, she
would have to register for a new order.

"It's a major issue because people who are profoundly frightened are made
doubly victims," she said.

In a statement, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said there were
significant advantages to having a central system where information about
domestic and family violence orders could be accessed by law-enforcement
agencies.

"This would eliminate uncertainty and enable responses to be taken more
quickly and on the basis of the best information available," he said.

It is expected the Federal Government will immediately implement 11 of the
report's 20 recommendations.

In response, Mr Rudd will today announce a $12.5 million, 24-hour crisis
telephone line, $26 million in funding for violence prevention programs and
a public information campaign, an assessment of effective treatment
programs for perpetrators as well as an examination of relevant laws by the
Australian Law Reform Commission.

The report was produced by the Government-appointe d National Council to
Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.

Council chairwoman Ms Lloyd described the continuing incidence of family
violence as a national scandal.

The report will be presented to a Council of Australian Governments meeting
tomorrow.

Seven further recommendations will be negotiated with states and
territories. The remaining two are up for discussion while the Government
finalises its national plan on violence against women, expected next year.