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 On 3 May the Central Queensland Family Law Pathway Network (CQFLPN), auspiced by Centacare: Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, hosted the “CQFLPN Domestic Violence and Family Law Forum”.
Attendees travelled from as far away as Longreach, Mackay, Emerald and Gladstone to join locals from the Rockhampton region in an audience of nearly 70 people that packed the Cancer Council venue.
The day provided a comprehensive snapshot of the interconnections between domestic violence and family law, and their impact on both users of the system and professional practioners that provide support.
Professor Richard Chisholm, BA, LLB, BCL, .AM, the Key Note Speaker, was a judge of the Family Court of Australia between 1993 and 2004. Prior to his appointment he was an Associate Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales.
His other areas of interest include children’s rights, children’s law, research and publication, involvement with the Family Law Council, and a number of law reform bodies.
Currently he is an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Sydney, and a Visiting Fellow at the ANU College of Law. Among his recent projects was the Family Court’s Violence Review (2009).
Professor Chisholm’s address entitled “Shared parenting and protection against violence: recent and likely future developments” covered:
- The amendments to the Family Law Act of 2006, and how they have operated;
- The Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence & Other Measures) Bill 2011; and
- Likely future developments.
Attendees responded warmly to Professor Chisholm’s humorous and very informative presentation and numerous questions completed the morning time slot.
In appreciation of his time and expertise the CQFLPN presented Professor Chisholm with an original painting by local Murri artist Barry Boland, entitled “Healing of Domestic Family Violence”.
Feedback, both documented and verbal, indicated that participants valued the high quality catering provided during the lunch break, and the opportunity to network.
The afternoon session commenced with local solicitor Joanne Madden, from Joanne Madden Solicitors, challenging many common misunderstanding of the family law system with a “Myth Busting” information session grounded in current legislation.
The day was completed with an interactive panel discussion facilitated by CQFLPN Facilitator Sandy Paton and consisting of the following panel members:
- Professor Richard Chisholm
- Marie Downing, Counsellor, Relationships Australia
- Michael John, Psychologist and Regulation 7 Family Law Counsellor
- John Nielson, Breaking the Cycle, DV Pilot
Questions put forward by the audience covered a range of domestic violence and family law matters including: the significance of fathers’ involvement in early years; the paradox of some mothers’ issue of keeping themselves safe and out of reach of a partner, whilst allowing the child contact; paternity and legal obligations and legislative and court processes.
Evaluation sheets reflected that participants found all sessions very informative; overall the whole day was very highly rated by participants with positive feedback on the planning, organisation, venue, catering and the “high quality” of the speakers.
Presenters received an appreciation certificate and small gift, as thanks for their significant contribution to the success of the day.
Forum proceedings and interviews with presenters were filmed by Bush TV and will be compiled into a resource DVD to be made available for free to Family Law Pathway Network members.
Report courtesy of CQFLPN Facilitator Sandy Paton.
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