In conjunction with the Mallesons Human Rights Law Group, in Octover 2007 the Centre assisted the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic) to make a Submission to the Victorian Government regarding the draft Family Violence Bill 2007, which provides for the making of interim and final family violence orders.
The submission recommends that the draft Bill be amended to ensure that its protections are equally afforded to all persons who, through disability, illness or cognitive impairment, require, and are dependent upon, a carer. In support of this recommendation, the submission discusses domestic and comparative human rights jurisprudence regarding equal protection of the law; protection from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and protection of children.
In a letter to the Federation, the Attorney General referred to the submission as an ‘unprecedented collaboration’ which will make a significant and useful contribution to ensuring that the final Bill better protects women and children from family violence.
