A community education for family law professionals
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Community members from the Horn of Africa region have participated in a two-way education program with the Family Court of Australia, aimed at making Australian family law more accessible.
A report being launched today showcases the experiences of new and emerging communities in coming to grips with the complexities of the Australian legal system.
The report was developed as a resource for the Family Court, and other organisations seeking to work with similar communities, and provides valuable information on how to effectively engage new and emerging communities.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the project, delivered by the Family Court of Australia, involved extensive consultation across these communities and the Family Court staff.
'The report is part of the Family Court's Families and the Law in Australia: The Family Court working together with new and emerging communities project which aims to help develop and strengthen relationships between new and emerging communities and the Family Court,' Mr Ferguson said.
'People from the Afghan, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Iraqi, Somalian and Sudanese communities have all been consulted and contributed their experiences and ideas to this project. Their input will assist court staff in providing services that are more sensitive to diversity.
'Among the stresses of settlement in a new country can be uncertainty about gender roles, parenting practices, fear of losing your cultural identity, and even a distrust of authority.
'These things can easily add to anxiety and family conflict.
'It is impressive to see the Family Court's innovation and leadership in building bridges with new and emerging communities through consultation and education while strengthening Australian society by promoting harmony, a sense of fairness and belonging,' the Parliamentary Secretary added.
Families and the Law in Australia: The Family Court working together with new and emerging communities project is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which provided $133 667 in funding.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj 02 6277 4920 or 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08040.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST