Domestic Violence Laws in Australia provides an overview of Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand legislation and will be used to develop the Australian Government's National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. The report also provides an analysis of overlaps and potential gaps between the Family Law Act 1975 and State and Territory domestic violence protection orders, thereby affording a valuable basis for the Australian and New South Wales Law Reform Commissions' inquiry into the interaction of domestic violence laws, which was a key recommendation of Time for Action: The National Council's Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2009-2021.
Domestic Violence Laws in Australia additionally examines the registration process for domestic violence protection orders and portability between jurisdictions, a critical issue for women fleeing domestic violence. This will be an important input as the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) considers options for a national register of protection orders to better protect victims.