Representatives of the Australian Law Reform Commission will meet with over 100 delegates at a forum in Brisbane to discuss the complex interaction between state and territory family and domestic violence and child protection laws and the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

The ALRC, in collaboration with the NSW Law Reform Commission, and in consultation with other states and territories, is investigating this issue following recommendations to the Australian Government by the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their children in April this year.

The forum is an initiative of the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QCDFVR) based at CQUniversity Mackay.

Professor Rosalind Croucher, lead commissioner with the ALRC, will present the opening address at the forum, providing an overview of the investigation's terms of reference and process.  QCDFVR Director, and Deputy Chair of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, Heather Nancarrow says:

"This forum is an opportunity for grassroots advocates and practitioners in the domestic violence, child protection and family law areas to meet directly with the ALRC and tell them what happens on the ground for families affected by domestic violence and who are needing to negotiate the child protection and family law systems".

"Throughout its extensive consultation, the National Council consistently heard that the current lack of systemic coordination between these areas of law and practice was compromising the safety of women and children," she continued.  

The forum will be held at the State Library of Queensland from 8.30am till 1pm on Friday Dec 4 and is filled to capacity with representatives from government and non-government agencies and others wanting to participate in the discussion and have their voices heard.

According to Ms Nancarrow, recent changes to the family law system have added to the complexity of navigating that system, particularly for those affected by domestic and family violence. "For some women", she said, "it may seem just too hard, or too dangerous, to try to advocate for themselves and their children".  "On the other hand" said Ms Nancarrow, "the Australian Government has demonstrated commitment to ensuring that safety is not compromised by ineffective or inappropriate systems, and this investigation is part of that commitment."