child’s life.

The bill addresses concerns about the existing definition of family violence and seeks to introduce an ‘objective test’ in relation to an apprehension or fear of violence. Concern has been expressed by some women’s groups and Senators that these amendments will make some women and children more vulnerable to abuse.

The bill also seeks to promote agreements outside the court system. The bill will require people to attend family dispute resolution and make genuine efforts to resolve their dispute before applying for a parenting order. This requirement will not apply where there is family violence or abuse

Senator Steven Fielding from the Family First party sought to introduce an amendment to the bill strengthening its shared parenting provisions. Senator Fielding argued for a starting position of ‘rebuttable shared parenting’ i.e., that there be a starting point of equal time with both parents upon separation. If a parent disagreed they would have to argue the reasons for their position.

WAA made a submission to the Senate inquiry into this bill, expressing our support for the principle of children spending as much time as possible with both parents. We will continue to monitor the progress of this bill through the Senate.

Maureen McCarthy

National President

Shared Parenting Bill

The Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Bill 2006, was recently submitted to the Senate for consideration. This bill has followed wide community consultation with interested groups and individuals. Senator Santoro, in his speech to the Senate introducing the bill, described it as representing ‘the most significant changes to the Family Law Act 1975 since its inception 30 years ago’.

Senator Santoro said the bill was the third part of the Government’s changes to the way in which family breakdown is dealt with. The first part was the package of $400 million over four years, for new community services to help reduce conflict in families; the second was the Government’s proposals to reform the child support system.

The bill provides for a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. Where the presumption applies, the court will be required to consider children spending equal time with both parents. This will only apply where it is reasonably practicable and is in the best interests of the child. If this is not appropriate, the court must consider an arrangement for substantial and significant time with both parents. The bill also contains changes to better recognise the interests of children in spending time with grandparents and others, who play an important role in the

It is pleasing that, with bipartisan support, something is at last to be done to enable internet pornography and violence to be blocked from home computers.

 

In July a state-wide trial will commence in Tasmania, home state of Liberal Senator Guy Barnett who has spearheaded a push to achieve this.

 

The Opposition Leader, the Hon Kim Beazley, has recommended a mandatory system-wide filter. Under Labor, all Internet Service Providers would be required to offer a filtered “clean feed” internet service to all households, and to schools and other public internet points accessible by kids

 

This was rejected by the Communications Minister,  Hon Helen Coonan, due to concerns about effectiveness and the impact on internet processing speeds.

 

If the Tasmanian trial succeeds the cost of $2.50 per month, quoted by one of the software companies involved in the trial, would be money very well spent.

 

Family First Senator Steve Fielding has also been pressing for this.

 

Would the Greens and the Democrat please stand up?

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NET ALERT - the Federal Government’s Internet Safety Advisory Board

 

Chatting with friends on-line, surfing websites, downloading files, gaming online or playing music can all be fun for our techno able young people, but the world wide web has its snares.

 

Cyberspace bullying, harassment and stalking now occur, as does the installation of spyware;  i.e. malicious software that is installed onto your computer without your knowledge to spy on your every on-line move.

 

‘Net Alert’ is a not for profit organisation established by the Australian Government to provide independent advice and education on the issues, risks and dangers that come with being in cyberspace.

 

Check this worthwhile service out on www.netalert.net.au

A free DVD called “Wise Up to It” is available on request.

Net Alert also runs a free help and advice line Tel 1800 880 176 

With the advent of ageing many people fear falling victim to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD.) At around the time of menopause many women complain that their memory is not as good as it used to be. Some fear that this could be the beginning of dementia. Usually it is not.

 

The Alzheimer’s Association of Australia advises that the two main risk factors for AD are genetics and ageing – neither of which are avoidable. However this does

not mean that there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk of dementia. The Association has produced a brochure called ‘Mind you Mind.’ It lists seven signposts that should be followed as part of one’s everyday life.  They are listed as - Mind your body, your diet, your brain, your health checks, your social life, your head and your habits.

 

The brochure can be read on line at  http://www.alzheimers.org.au/upload/Brochure.pdf  or can be ordered by telephone on  1800 100 500.  A paper titled ‘Dementia – can it be prevented?’ is also available.

COPING WITH ALZHEIMER’S

INTERNET

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