Attorney-General's Department

Consultation on the Exposure Draft of the Family Law Regulations 2024 is now open. The Family Law Regulations set rules for how matters are conducted under the Family Law Act 1975. They include technical matters relating to property, maintenance orders, parenting orders, arbitration, service of documents and parentage testing. We are seeking feedback on the Exposure Draft to ensure the Family Law Regulations are modern and fit for purpose. All interested stakeholders, particularly legal professionals, are invited to share their views. To learn more and to have your say, visit: https://lnkd.in/gxpMNCnU The consultation closes at 5:00 pm AEST 5 September 2024.

Ending the abuse of older people begins with a conversation. If you are experiencing abuse, or know someone that may be experiencing abuse, there is help and support available. Talk to someone you trust, visit www.compass.info or call 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) for information or advice. https://lnkd.in/gMi-m9pw

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery are devastating crimes that exploit the most vulnerable in our communities. We value our strong partnerships across government, and with international partners, civil society and business, take action together against modern slavery. Everyone can help stop child trafficking, including for forced marriage. Recognise the signs: https://lnkd.in/gw5VJGYT. Know what to do. Help is available. Call the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or contact one of our community partners: Anti-Slavery Australia, Australian Red Cross or The Salvation Army Australia. If you have immediate safety concerns, call 000. #EndHumanTrafficking UNODC

Our public consultation on enhancing civil protections and remedies for people in or at risk of forced marriage is now open.   Everyone in Australia should be free to choose, if, who and when they marry. Forced marriage is a crime in Australia.   The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to tackle the issue of forced marriage through a coordinated national response, including by developing a model to enhance civil protections and remedies for those affected.   We invite all interested stakeholders and members of the public to provide feedback to help inform the model to meet community needs.   To learn more and have your say, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gkqSRKv5.   Consultation closes Monday 23 September 2024.

The Additional Referral Pathway pilot will allow eligible victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking to access the Support for Trafficked People Program through referral from select community providers, without requiring initial engagement with law enforcement. Read the joint media release on our website: https://lnkd.in/gncbMvwD. If you or someone you know is in or at risk of human trafficking or slavery, you can contact The Salvation Army Australia on 1800 000 ARP / 1800 000 277 or visit their website: https://lnkd.in/gwDMZQzm. You can contact Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 131 237 (131AFP) or visit their website: www.afp.gov.au. Visit Australian Red Cross website for in-language resources and additional services available to help: https://lnkd.in/ga555WhT.

Next Tuesday is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July). This year’s global theme is ‘Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking’. It highlights the importance of protecting children from all forms of exploitation and supporting victim‑survivors of trafficking. Everyone can help stop child trafficking, including for forced marriage. Recognise the signs: https://lnkd.in/gw5VJGYT. Know what to do. Help is available. Call the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or contact one of our community partners: Anti-Slavery Australia, Australian Red Cross or The Salvation Army Australia. If you have immediate safety concerns, call 000. #EndHumanTrafficking UNODC

From 14 October 2024, a new and fit-for-purpose federal review body, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), will commence. The ART will replace the existing Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The establishment of the ART is an important milestone in the Australian Government’s reform that aims to promote trust and confidence in Australia’s system of administrative review.   All matters before the AAT will continue as usual prior to 14 October, when any matters before the AAT will transition to the ART upon commencement. Those who have applied to the AAT for review of a decision do not need to submit a new application or take any other action.   Learn more about the ART and the reform to Australia’s system of administrative review: https://lnkd.in/gbfdCpSc   Read the media release: https://lnkd.in/dQq7AUXy

Released today, on behalf of the Attorney-General's Department (AGD), AIFS has conducted an independent evaluation of the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians). Our research reveals that the plan is a valuable mechanism for uniting governments, agencies and organisations on this important issue, but further work needs to be done to prevent and respond to the abuse and mistreatment of older people in Australia. Report co-author Dr Rachel Carson, said the Plan is playing a critical role in helping governments, agencies and professionals combat this important issue. “Although there is growing community awareness, we know that many older people still experience abuse and mistreatment, including physical, sexual, psychological and financial,” Dr Carson said. “By enabling governments at all levels to share insights and resources, and work together in a coordinated way, the Plan is improving our understanding, and supporting direct action to address the abuse of older people, which is vital.” Go to the AGD for more information about the plan: https://lnkd.in/gStiU-CY You can read our evaluation report here: https://lnkd.in/gmPdGThC

What should you do if you are a victim of identity crime? You should act quickly to minimise any financial loss or other damage by: · contacting your financial institution · reporting the matter to local police · changing your account passwords · contacting IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for specialist services and support. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/gzcWcwrh.

The Australian Government is seeking applications from suitably qualified people for the appointment of the Chair and members to the re-established Administrative Review Council. As an expert body, the Administrative Review Council will: ·      monitor the integrity of the Commonwealth administrative review system ·      inquire into and report on systemic challenges in administrative law, and ·      support education and training for Commonwealth officials in relation to making administrative decisions and the administrative law system. The appointments will be on a part-time basis for a term of up to five 5 years. Applications close at 5:00 pm AEST on Friday 26 July 2024. Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/g2FdZ9Z