Executive director of UnitingCare Unifam Counselling and Mediation, Clive Price; director of Family law, Civil Justice and Advice Services, Legal Aid Queensland, Nicola Davies; and Justice Garry Watts from the Family Court of Australia were all re-appointed to the Council.

Culshaw joined Marks and Sands Lawyers as a partner in 1994 and has over 22 years' experience practising in family law. He is the current manager of the Legal Advice Service which forms part of the Family Relationship Advice Line.

The Family Law Council, which is the key adviser to the Commonwealth Government on family law reforms, has been asked by Attorney-General Robert McClelland to identify any gaps in existing legislation and to consider introducing new offences to strengthen Australia's response to the issue.

The Council is due to provide its report to the Attorney-General by March 2011.