The Government has unveiled plans to ensure separating couples settle child access and custody disputes through mediation, before turning to legal proceedings in the Family Court.
Church and community organisations will run a national network of family relationship centres to provide that mediation and access to information.
They will get an immediate $15 million to support their current work, and a task force will review the current child support payments scheme.
Shadow Attorney-General Nicola Roxon says the Government is making a token gesture to families.
"After so many reports and reviews and audits and recommendations, what we've come up with today is the Government putting a bit of money back into a system which they slashed money from when they were first elected and another task force and another discussion paper," she said.
"I really think separating families need more support and more action from the Government."
By My Favourite Martian 29 July 04
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