International Women's Group Supports Family Law Reform

The Pan-Pacific South East Asia Women's Association's national conference in Nelson this weekend adopted two resolutions being promoted by guest speaker, ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman.

"I was thrilled that the conference unanimously voted to support shared parenting to replace preferential sole custody as the predominant outcome of family separation, and to support more openness in the Family Court," Dr Newman said. Dr Newman was asked to speak to the conference about family law, including the effect of the controversial new Property Relationships Act on de facto couples.

"The two resolutions - shared parenting and opening up the family court - will now be discussed by grassroots women's organisations throughout the country, including the powerful Maori Women's Welfare League and the National Council of Women.

"I hope that these organisations will support the resolutions and help to build the momentum for change," Dr Newman said.

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