THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
TERRI BUTLER MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PREVENTING FAMILY VIOLENCE
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR UNIVERSITIES
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EQUALITY
MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH
TURNBULL IGNORES CALLS FOR FAMILY COURT REFORM
The Turnbull Government continues to ignore calls from experts such as the Productivity Commission and leaders such as Rosie Batty to prevent domestic violence victims being cross-examined in court by their abusers.
Labor welcomes today's announcement by the Government to enact tougher penalties for offenders who breach restraining orders, but this is just the beginning.
The process of cross-examination of a victim by a perpetrator is re-traumatising for the witness and can intimidate the victim out of presenting evidence.
Labor has committed to this reform, but this reform is needed now.
Labor has called on Prime Minister Turnbull and Senator Brandis to act now to amend the Family Law Act and to commit additional funds to Legal Aid.
Its time for the Turnbull Government to address this crisis.
FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2016
