In line with the new Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016, AWAVA agrees that there is merit in addressing family, domestic and sexual violence in the migration law context and that reforms are needed to support more suitable pathways for victims of this violence. However, we express reservations about the likely effectiveness of proposed Bill in achieving these goals, as well as the possible unforeseen ramifications of this Bill for victims/ survivors of domestic and family violence.
We are submitting our position paper to the committee reiterating the recommendations outlined in the Victorian Royal Commission into Family violence report and also the recommendations made by the ALRC that relate to family violence.