A-G Rowland looks back on 50 years of the Family Court and the legacy it has built

“This court touches directly on the lives of everyday Australians and their families, and its jurisdiction covers some of the most personal matters heard in the Australian legal system,” she said.

“Its judges, registrars and staff often meet people at the most challenging junctures of their lives.”

Since its inception, Attorney-General Rowland highlighted, the Family Court has stood as a “helping court” for Australian families, guided by judges selected not just for their legal expertise but also for their deep insight into the complex and personal challenges families face.

“In considering the design for a specialist family court for Australia, the goal was to create a helping court for Australian families with judicial officers chosen for their understanding of family law issues as well as their legal skills,” she said.

Reflecting on the Family Court’s five-decade journey, Attorney-General Rowland underscored how the court has evolved to navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape while meeting the changing needs of Australian families.

“It will come as no surprise to those attending today that the court has undergone various changes and enhancements in its 50 years of service to the Australian people,” she said.

VIEW ALL

“In January 1976, the court commenced operation as the then Family Court of Australia under the newly enacted Family Law Act 1975 with only five judges.

“This was a very different environment to that experienced today by our 41 specialist family law judges, which includes the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and six duly appointed judges who hear matters in the Family Court of Western Australia.”

A-G Rowland went on to highlight the court’s major administrative developments over time, which have strengthened its ability to efficiently manage functions and caseloads while providing the best possible support for Australian families.

“In the late 1980s, the offices of Deputy Chief Justice, judge administrator and judicial registrar were created, and registrars were empowered to manage escalating caseloads and pre-trial procedures,” she said.

“This change recognised the essential role that registrars play, together with all of the court staff, in enabling the court to efficiently manage its functions and caseloads to support Australian families.”

Under the Albanese government, A-G Rowland reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining a family law system that is accessible, safe, and fair, ensuring it continues to deliver justice for all Australian families.

“The Albanese government is committed to ensuring that the family law system continues to be accessible and safe and delivers justice and fairness for all Australian families,” she said.

A-G Rowland highlighted the government’s dedication to reforming the family law system, simplifying parenting and property rules, better protecting families from violence, and reducing the emotional and practical toll of protracted litigation.

“The Albanese government is committed to ensuring that the family law system continues to be accessible and safe and delivers justice and fairness for all Australian families,” she said.

“As part of this commitment, the government has progressed significant reforms to simplify and enhance the parenting and property frameworks of the Family Law Act. As a nation, our awareness and understanding of family and domestic violence has greatly improved since the court came into existence.

“This government is committed to better addressing family violence and reducing distress and hardship caused by protracted and adversarial litigation.”