The discussion paper is a major step forward in achieving the most significant changes to the family law system in nearly 30 years, Ruddock announced.

He said the proposed alterations to the law would promote the objective of both parents having a meaningful role in their children’s lives.

The reforms would include the establishment of a new network of 65 community based Family Relationship Centres, aimed at helping parents resolve disputes and reach agreement on parenting arrangements.

The intention is to reduce the emotional costs to families and ”children of conflict”, Ruddock said in a statement.

The paper is available at www.ag.gov.au