The Albanese Labor Government has today released the final report of the review of the Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP) from Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO.
The FRSP supports separated and separating families to resolve issues outside court. Since its introduction in the mid-2000s it has become a critical element of Australia's approach to family law, and assists over 100,000 clients each year.
The FRSP has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. Mr Metcalfe was asked to consider how the program can continue to best meet the needs of separating Australian families into the future.
The report affirms the important contribution of the FRSP in helping families separate safely and in the best interests of any children involved, without the stress or expense of going to court. It also acknowledges the significant ongoing demand for these services.
Key recommendations include:
- restructuring to increase flexibility in design, delivery and administration
- enhancing service delivery through increasing access to case management, child-inclusive practice, legally-assisted dispute resolution and online resources, and
- establishing a dedicated stream for separating First Nations families.
The Review will build on the Albanese Government's significant investments to prevent family, domestic and sexual violence against women and children, and support those who experience it.
Following National Cabinet last Friday, the Australian Government announced an $80 million package to ensure children who witness and experience family, domestic and sexual violence are appropriately supported.
This includes funding to expand the FRSP's Supporting Children After Separation Program (SCASP). Consistent with the Metcalfe Review's findings that the FRSP provides important services for separating families, this funding will expand the SCASP to provide specialised, longer-term support for children of separated families who are already engaged in counselling support, to avoid needing to transfer those cases to a Specialised Family Violence Service.
On behalf of the Australian Government I acknowledge everyone who shared their views and expertise with the review team and thank Mr Metcalfe for his work.
I would also like to acknowledge the early work of Mr Graeme Head AO, who had initially commenced the Review of the FRSP and the Australian Institute for Family Studies for supporting the Reviewers in the conduct of the Review.
The Government is carefully considering the report.
