Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Tess Ikonomou

Family law reform to stop pets being weaponised

Law reforms will ensure family pets can't be used as a form of control after a relationship ends. (Aap Image/AAP PHOTOS)

Law reforms will stop family pets from being used to continue carrying out domestic violence when relationships break down.

The changes came into effect on Tuesday, and build on previous amendments made by the Albanese government to family law in its first term.

The new legislation provides a specific framework for deciding ownership of pets and preventing the use of animals to continue to perpetrate violence.

The reforms also give family law courts a new power to help stop sensitive information being viewed or used as evidence in proceedings where the harm in doing so outweighs the need for it.

The economic impacts impacts of family violence will be considered when property and finances are being divided between separated couples.

The government said the changes highlight Labor's strong commitment to addressing and ending the scourge.

The Family Law Court of Australia
The reforms will improve risk screening and support fairer outcomes in family law matters. (April Fonti/AAP PHOTOS)

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will be funded to expand their world-leading initiative called the Lighthouse model, which improves risk screening, triage and assessment of family law matters.

Information sharing arrangements to protect families against safety risks and the wellbeing of children being placed at the centre of all parenting decisions, were established under previous amendments made by Labor.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the changes strengthened deterrence while supporting fairer outcomes.

"These once-in-a-generation reforms aim to support victim-survivors of family violence to get a fairer outcome in family law matters and prevent long-term disadvantage," she said.

"The Albanese government thanks all those involved in the development and implementation of these vital reforms, particularly victim-survivors and family law professionals who shared their stories to inspire change."

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.