Activity details
The Australian Government is providing additional funding over 4 years (2023-2027) to state and territory Legal Aid Commissions to ensure the ongoing viability of the Family Violence and Cross-Examination of Parties Scheme (Scheme). The Scheme protects victims of family and domestic violence in family law proceedings by banning direct-cross examination in certain circumstances, and instead requiring cross-examination to be conducted by a legal representative.
Implementation progress update
The ban on personal cross-examination in family law proceedings commenced on 10 September 2019. The scheme was reviewed in 2021 where it was found there is virtually universal support for the Scheme across stakeholder groups, and the scheme is reducing re-traumatisation of victims of family and domestic violence. For more information see Review of the Ban on Direct Cross-Examination under the Family Law Act 1975.
The current funding agreement for the scheme is for the period 2023-2027. The scheme is ongoing and there has been increasing demand for the scheme over time.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum update.