Family law reform to stop pets being weaponised

Dogs being walked
Law reforms will ensure family pets can't be used as a form of control after a relationship ends. -AAP Image

Law reforms will stop family pets from being used to continue carrying out domestic violence when relationships break down.

The changes came into effect on Tuesday, and build on previous amendments made by the Albanese government to family law in its first term.

The new legislation provides a specific framework for deciding ownership of pets and preventing the use of animals to continue to perpetrate violence.

The reforms also give family law courts a new power to help stop sensitive information being viewed or used as evidence in proceedings where the harm in doing so outweighs the need for it.

The economic impacts impacts of family violence will be considered when property and finances are being divided between separated couples.

The government said the changes highlight Labor's strong commitment to addressing and ending the scourge.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will be funded to expand their world-leading initiative called the Lighthouse model, which improves risk screening, triage and assessment of family law matters.

Information sharing arrangements to protect families against safety risks and the wellbeing of children being placed at the centre of all parenting decisions, were established under previous amendments made by Labor.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the changes strengthened deterrence while supporting fairer outcomes.

"These once-in-a-generation reforms aim to support victim-survivors of family violence to get a fairer outcome in family law matters and prevent long-term disadvantage," she said.

"The Albanese government thanks all those involved in the development and implementation of these vital reforms, particularly victim-survivors and family law professionals who shared their stories to inspire change."

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