One Nation Leader Senator Pauline Hanson has called for an end to the demonisation of men and for the Family Law Act to be replaced in a landmark speech delivered to mark the findings of the second interim report of her inquiry into Australia’s family law system.
Senator Hanson delivered her heartfelt thanks to all those who had made submissions to date, describing the evidence collected by the inquiry, which included 1450 confidential submissions, as heart breaking
“Many participants knew there was nothing the committee could do to help their past cases, but I want to thank those people because their focus was to ensure no other family or child would feel their same pain,” Senator Hanson said.
In her speech Senator Hanson called for an end to the divisive attacks on males that have reached a fevered pitch over the last few months.
“I am fed up with feminists and organisations pushing their agenda that paints men as the only ones capable of domestic violence,” Senator Hanson said
“We need to stop demonising men because perpetrators come in the form of women and men.”
“I accept that men account for 75% of this behaviour, but we cannot ignore the 25% of domestic violence committed by women."
“The truth is domestic violence should not be tolerated by either sex.”
Senator Hanson also called for the plight of grandparents not to be overlooked by the committee.
“I’ve recommended grandparents be granted a mandatory 5 hours a month in-person contact - Or at very least contact via Skype or phone with their grandchildren,” Senator Hanson said.
In her closing remarks Senator Hanson made an impassioned plea for Australians to try and resolve their differences outside of the family law system, a system which she believes needs to be thrown out and replaced by one that inflicts less pain and suffering on Australia’s families.
“I encourage all Australians to work out their differences without the heartache of family law proceedings. No one wins, especially the children,” Senator Hanson said.
“Many have said they would not wish their experience on their worst enemy. Others have lost their lives by way of murder or by their own hand, only to leave confused and grieving families and children behind.“
“The committee’s recommendations are far more than what I have mentioned here today. but in truth, The Family Law Act has been band aided too much and, in my opinion, needs to be thrown out and replaced by a simpler Act.”
In order to ensure that all voices are heard and the best outcome is reached the Senate has agreed to extend the committee’s final report until 30 June 2021. With the intent that the final report outlines the committee's views and recommendations on the child support system and its interaction with the family law system.
You can find all the details of the second interim report including it’s recommendation here: Joint Select Committee on Australia's Family Law System – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
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