Activity details
A new Legal Financial Assistance scheme for eligible parents who are defending against a return application (respondent parents) which is filed after 1 January 2024 in an Australian court, so parties have access to government funding for legal representation in Hague Convention cases heard in Australia.
This activity is part of a broader activity to progress changes to improve safety in international child abduction matters under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, including investing $18.4 million over 4 years.
Implementation progress update
The International Child Abduction Respondents Scheme was launched on 28 May 2024.
Parents who are defending against a return application filed after 1 January 2024 are eligible for the scheme. For more information see International Child Abduction Respondents Scheme - Attorney-General's Department.
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.