The integrity of the courts — particularly the merged FCFCOA — is a key priority for the Labor government, the Attorney-General said.

“A key part of our government’s vision for a better future was returning to the principles of transparency and integrity. We are already acting to restore integrity in the judicial appointments process, with a return to a transparent, merit-based process,” he said.

“I am also a longstanding supporter of a federal judicial commission to deal with complaints against serving judges. The recent report of the Australian Law Reform Commission on judicial bias endorsed the need for a judicial commission. And we will be legislating this year a powerful, independent and transparent National Anti-Corruption Commission.”

The FCFCOA has been formally established for less than a year and has been a “substantial change” to the previous family law system, added Mr Dreyfus.

“There is no denying that reform to the family law system was long overdue, and not helped by the family law system being starved of resources for almost a decade. I acknowledge a number of impressive achievements that have occurred alongside the merger. These innovative solutions to case management processes are attributable to the hard work of court officers and judges.

“I note that these solutions, including the introduction of a National Contravention List, have seen a dramatic reduction in wait times for matters to be heard by the courts, and an increase in the early resolution of matters,” he said.

“The government will continue to monitor and review the operation of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of litigants and, importantly, that those at risk of family violence are protected and supported.”

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The Attorney-General also addressed the issue of funding for Women’s Legal Services falling short — as only a fraction of the $129 million funding for Women’s Legal Services announced by the previous government in last year’s budget went to Women’s Legal Services.

“Women’s Legal Services badly need all of this funding, but figures I have been provided indicate that, in Tasmania for example, just one-quarter of the funding actually flowed to the Women’s Legal Service Tasmania,” he said.

“It is a similar story in most states and territories, although I am pleased to say that in Queensland, almost all of the funding actually went to the Women’s Legal Service Queensland. I’m determined to ensure that this does not happen again, and I will do what I can to ensure that funding goes where it is intended and women in crisis get the support that they need.”

Moreover, the Attorney-General promised that a comprehensive review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership will commence early next year to ensure the legal assistance sector is equipped to deal with future challenges.

“The government is committed to supporting the legal assistance sector to deliver valuable assistance to Australians most in need.

“We have made a $25 million commitment to increase legal assistance through Community Legal Centres in natural disaster-affected areas; restore funding to the Environmental Defenders Office; support the leadership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services; and support the work of the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum, which advocates for First Nations people experiencing family violence, especially women and children,” he added.

“I am pleased to confirm the government is delivering an additional $16.5 million in legal assistance funding to meet increased demand for legal representation to support the Federal Circuit and Family Court’s case management reforms. By assisting vulnerable parties earlier in their matters, this funding, in turn, ensures the court can realise the full benefits of its enhanced approach to case management.”