Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill updates the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008 to strengthen how the Commission works in the five welfare reform communities (Aurukun, Coen, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge). Its main change adds a domestic violence 'trigger' so courts must notify the Commission when a protection order is made against a community resident, implementing Recommendation 93 of the 'Not Now, Not Ever' report.

Who it affects

Residents of the five welfare reform communities (mostly remote Cape York and Gulf communities) who are subject to domestic violence protection orders, plus the children and families already within the FRC's reach. Local Commissioners gain more delegated authority.

Key changes

• Courts must notify the FRC when a domestic violence protection order is made against a person living in a welfare reform community
• The FRC Commissioner can delegate more decisions (including income management) to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Local Commissioners who chair conferences
• The Childrens Court must notify the FRC about a child convicted of an offence when the child or the child's parent has lived in a welfare reform community
• Eligibility to be FRC Registrar is broadened from 'lawyer or court registry experience' to 'lawyer or otherwise appropriately qualified'
• Outdated references to the Commonwealth CDEP scheme are removed from the Act