Australia: It's Time for a Dedicated Children's Court for Parenting Matters.

Every child deserves to feel safe, to be heard, and to have their rights and best interests protected. Decisions made in parenting proceedings can shape a child's life, wellbeing and future.

A childhood cannot be relived. Trauma cannot always be undone. Children deserve a system designed to understand them, hear them and protect them.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Growing worldwide media attention and serious concerns raised by professionals are bringing increased focus to how children are heard, understood and protected in family court proceedings. After years of reform, it is time to consider whether a different approach is needed.

CHILDREN ARE NOT THE DISPUTE. THEY ARE THE ONES LIVING IT.
When parents are in conflict, children can become lost in the middle of it. Their voices must not be overlooked, and their safety must never become secondary.

INDEPENDENT CHILD SPECIALISTS
Children should have access to independent, appropriately qualified specialists with expertise in family violence, coercive control and childhood trauma, with time to build trust and better understand each child's experiences and needs.

WE CALL ON THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ACT
Australia already has Children's Courts that deal with matters affecting children's lives every day. Parenting matters also involve decisions about children's lives, safety and futures.

We call on the Australian Government to establish a dedicated Children's Court, separate from the existing federal family law courts and dealing exclusively with parenting matters, with children's voices, safety and best interests at its centre.

Children cannot vote. They cannot lobby. They need us to speak up for them.

It's time to move beyond calls for change and take meaningful action for children.

Every signature helps demonstrate public support for this proposed reform.

💙 CHILDREN'S VOICES MATTER. THEIR RIGHTS MATTER. THEIR FUTURES MATTER.

AUSTRALIA, IT'S TIME TO PUT CHILDREN FIRST.