The Greens say today’s tabling of the Final Report of Pauline Hanson’s toxic family law inquiry marks the welcome end of more than two years of political grandstanding that has traumatised survivors of family and domestic violence and provided a platform for hate and misinformation.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“What a colossal waste of time and energy.

The Greens will introduce a motion in the Senate today to dissolve the damaging Joint Select Committee Inquiry into Australia’s Family Law System, for vote tomorrow.

Greens Co-Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters, said the inquiry was already ramping up the risk to women and children.

“Australia’s family law system has serious problems which need addressing, however this inquiry is politically motivated and should not go ahead,” she said.

The Greens welcome legislation to restrict the circumstances in which family violence survivors can be cross-examined in family law proceedings.

Greens Spokesperson for Women Janet Rice said: “This legislation is a step in the right direction to lessen the trauma of survivors as they go through the court process.”

“Court processes are traumatic and stressful enough as it is, without forcing survivors to face the perpetrator of their abuse in court.”

Greens Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim said: “We welcome the tabling of this legislation.”

Delays in the Family Court system should be addressed by more funding for the courts, legal aid and community legal centres, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim says.

“Families should have their cases resolved quickly and compassionately,” Senator McKim said.

“Unfortunately that is not happening because of overstretched courts, community legal centres and legal aid.”

“The Liberals urgently need to invest in these areas to help families in crisis move on and resolve their cases.”