THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
GRAHAM PERRETT MP
OPPOSITION WHIP
MEMBER FOR MORETON
ZOMBIE DIVORCE TAX LIVES ON
On top of the cruel cuts to family benefits announced this week comes another shock the independent Parliamentary Budget Offices latest unlegislated measures update has confirmed the government's plans to implement its divorce tax, which targets families going through painful separations.
The divorce tax, a measure introduced in the 2015 Budget has already been rejected twice by the Senate.
The divorce tax would increase fees for those needing to use the family courts. Last time they tried to shove the measure through Parliament, it would have increased the cost of divorce applications by 40 per cent or $350.
The family courts are in a mess with the Sydney Registry reportedly forced to draft in extra judges from around the country to clear a backlog created by Senator Brandis refusing to replace judges in a timely manner. While the family courts are in crisis, Senator Brandis has dithered.
This Government, and in particular the Attorney-General, is out of ideas and out of time. The courts, and those using them, are now paying the price for the Attorney-Generals incompetence, said Shadow Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus QC MP.
Malcolm Turnbull needs to show some courage and look at real reform for a family law system in crisis, not take the easy option of hitting those who are at their most vulnerable, said Graham Perrett, Member for Moreton.
THURSDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2017
