Emotional Sen Hanson admits shedding tears at her Family Law inquiry success
ONE NATION leader Pauline Hanson has revealed how she shed tears on the confirmation that her long awaited inquiry into Australia’s family Law system would go ahead.
Senator Hanson has pushed personally for the inquiry for the past three years, believing it to be the most important social matter facing Australia today.
She added that the news of the high-level and far-reaching review will actually go ahead will bring hope to hundreds of thousands of Australians who “are floundering” in such difficult situations.
“When I received confirmation that this inquiry into Australia’s Family Law system is going ahead, I actually cried,” Senator Hanson told journalist of the Canberra Press Gallery.
“I cried because I know the heartache that is felt by hundreds of thousands of Australians impacted by the shortcomings of the Family Law system, at a time when they are going through one of the most difficult challenges of their lives – creating normality after separation and divorce.
“I also cried because of the realisation of the hopethat this inquiry will finally bringto people who are floundering in these situations.”
Senator Hanson noted that past investigations had revealed that three men each day commit suicide and one woman each week is murdered, as a result of the stress and hardships of the Family Law and Child Support regime.
“Just imagine, over the weekend, while most of us were enjoying time with friends and family, an average six men took their own lives, and far too many women experienced serious family violence,” she noted.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t live with that on my conscience, and these deaths are only occurring because Governments have failed to listen and act on the broken family law system.”
Senator Hanson noted that the Joint Select Committee on Reform of Australia’s Family Law System “will delve into the various aspects that have been making life unbearable for so many people dealing with separation and the aftermaths”.
“It will investigate all aspects of the family law and child support regime – custody arrangements, the division of assets, the impact of decisions made at ‘judges’ discretion’; the costs of legal representation, the behaviour of lawyers who, at times, drag the matters out for their own financial gain; the well-being of children; access for grandparents and other family members, and more.”
Sen Hanson said she expected the inquiry to be conducted over the course of 12 months, with public hearings to be held across Australia, in both rural areas and cities.
“This inquiry will not be an easy one,” she said.
“It will be emotional; I can imagine that I will not be the only one shedding more tears – most often in private – as this process goes forward.
“I thank the Prime Minister for his support of this ground-breaking inquiry, and I encourage the media here today to provide its support as we journey through this huge and important task.
“My goal – with community, political and media support – is to totally rebuild and make a better, more-workable, family law system for separating and separated couples and their families.
“And for those who are in the midst of family breakdown, those contemplating suicide and facing potential family violence, I’m asking you to stop and know that you’ve finally been heard.
“I beg you, please give me a chance to try and make change.”
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