Political correctness has put rights before responsibility; lack of respect and commitment has resulted in a breakdown of marriage and the family unit. GAP believes in restoring the authority of the family and that responsible parents should not have their authority eroded by frivolous legislation or United Nations (UN) treaties. We recognise that the best support we can give to any family is support that keeps the marriage and family unit intact.
GAP believes that safe, secure and happy societies require as a guiding principle, strong functional family units. We consider governments should recognise this basic principle and adopt responses that are aimed at long-term family stability. We recognise the very significant distress suffered by families with children who have been traumatised through divorce.
Fair treatment for parents and their children will be pursued and realistic outcomes from the tribunals expected. Grandparents’ and extended families’ access needs shall be considered as a priority for the children in ensuring that their environments remain stable.
The perception that the female is the “best” primary care giver and decision maker must be challenged. Men are also good parents and subject to circumstances should be afforded equal opportunity in gaining custody of their offspring.
The Family Law Court should be abolished and replaced with a Family Tribunal. A Family tribunal would exclude legal interference and eradicate the current adversarial system. In the unfortunate circumstances of irretrievable marriage breakdown, support services will be provided that work towards ensuring amicable arrangements between the aggrieved parents in the best interests of the children.
Compulsory counselling reinforces societies’ values and commitments to the sanctity of marriage and the individual’s commitment to work strongly to retain the marriage vows.
Custody and Access: Whilst joint custody is theoretically the ideal for all parties concerned, in practise it can present many problems, which are not in the best interest of the discipline and upbringing of children. Individual circumstances need to be concluded, making it difficult to set rules, much more debate is required.
Settlements: This is also a major controversial area, causing as much or more argument than custody. Property settlements based on a 50/50 allocation are based on Murphy’s Law of no-fault divorce, this may be ideal in theory but in practice it is open to abuse. Once further debate is required.
Second Family: All children from a second relationship should be treated equally; children in subsequent marriages should be afforded the same futures as those from a previous marriage.
Protection of families;
Whilst GAP would love to see the family unit remain in tact, we understand that circumstances can change and as such, GAP will support all family members through difficult times.
