Wednesday, 1st March, 2006

The Lone Fathers Association's long lobbying campaign was rewarded as the Federal Government announced changes to aspects of the child support system. Family Services Minister Mal Brough described the changes to be introduced from July this year to July 2008 as aimed at reducing "conflict between separated parents and, in particular, encouraging shared parenting by introducing a system that is fairer and puts the childrens needs first." LFA president Barry Williams said he was "shattered" that there was a delay in implementing the entire package but said "it's still worth waiting for."

Groups representing women were extremely critical. The President of the Sole Parents Union Kathleen Swinbourne said children would suffer. The convenor of the National Council of Single Mothers and their Children Dr Elspeth McInnes said "it's opened up a poverty trap for single parents.

The lobbying on this issue has clearly not ended.

See the earlier story:
In England Eggs for the Minister in Australia Just Words