MARK DREYFUS MP

The government is making these changes to the Family Law Act to make it safer and simpler to use, and to provide clarity to the community; guided by recommendations of detailed, insightful and researched reviews into the family law system.

Keeping children and families safe is at the heart of the family law system. This bill is one part of ensuring the family law system can deliver on this responsibility.

Our message to everyone attending today is simple. No matter who you are, who you love or where you come from – you should be valued, equal and celebrated.

Journalists should never face the prospect of being charged just for doing their jobs and there is agreement across the Parliament and indeed the community that improved protections are overdue.

Right from the start the Whitlam Government recognised that access to justice was critical to achieving its goal of a just society. Out of that belief came the commitment to Commonwealth Government involvement in Australia’s legal assistance sector – a commitment I share.

journey of recognition and reconciliation. I am confident that Australians will embrace this opportunity and I thank you for being part of this very important conversation.

The story of Raoul Wallenberg shows that even in the face of evil, one person can make a difference for all of humanity.

I rise today to join the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and all Members of this House to express my deepest condolences to the families of Constable Matthew Arnold, Constable Rachel McCrow and Mr Alan Dare.

The Lighthouse Project has seen a fundamental shift in the way the Courts identify and manage risks to family safety. It shows we can do better.

Justice Kirby’s contributions to this nation are significant, and go far beyond the courtroom. It is absolutely right the ALRC has chosen to honour its inaugural chair, Justice Kirby, with this lecture series, highlighting his record not only as a jurist but as a great advocate of reform.