Teal MPs are calling for an upcoming domestic violence royal commission to examine Australia’s family law system, amid concerns that some perpetrators exploit court processes. Across reports, the MPs cite warnings that individuals accused of domestic violence may “weaponise” family court proceedings. They argue this can pressure victims and their families through repeated or strategic legal actions.
The MPs also contend that such conduct can increase the legal costs faced by the other party, including by deliberately driving up expenses. The calls are framed as a need to assess whether current legal and procedural settings adequately protect people experiencing domestic violence, and whether the system inadvertently enables harm through protracted or adversarial litigation.
The reports present the issue as part of broader efforts to strengthen responses to domestic violence, with Teal MPs pushing for the commission to consider the family law pathway as a specific area of focus. The coverage reflects the MPs’ view that changes may be needed if patterns of exploitation are found in how family law matters are handled.
