Guardianship laws are outdated and need to better reflect modern families, Green MP Sue Kedgley said today at the launch of a custody and access review at Parliament.

"It's time we got rid of out-dated terminology such as custody and custodial parent - which treats children like a piece of property," she said.

"We need to look at ways of ensuring that ordinary non-violent parents can have frequent and continuing contact with their children."

The public review of guardianship, custody and access laws was promised to the Greens when the Shared Parenting Bill came before Parliament in May.

The Greens did not support the bill going to select committee, but instead secured an agreement from the Government that a review of Family Court procedures and the Guardianship Act would be undertaken.

Ms Kedgley said under the current legislation, there were many stories of non-custodial parents having difficulty gaining adequate access to their children.

"Children deserve loving and frequent contact with both parents, no matter whether the parents are still living together or not.

"This review will give people the opportunity to tell their stories, and find out whether the current legislation is meeting the needs of parents and their children."

Ms Kedgley said the Greens were keen to participate in public discussion and assist the Government in ensuring that public participation was as wide as possible.

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