Domestic, family violence experts slam family law inquiry

More than 100 peak bodies and practitioners, including several central Victorian agencies, have rejected the legitimacy of the Joint Select Committee on Australia's Family Law System inquiry.

The Centre for Non-Violence and Annie North Women's Refuge were among the agencies that signed a joint statement deeming the inquiry "not only unnecessary, it is dangerous".

"We are alarmed that it is proceeding against the unanimous advice of experts in the domestic and family violence sector," the statement said.

Senator Pauline Hanson, who last month claimed women lied about domestic violence, is the committee's deputy chair.

The signatories called for five immediate actions to stop putting at risk those that had endured violence and abuse, all of which CNV chief executive Margaret Augerinos said reflected what the organisation saw every day.

They included requiring people who influenced court proceedings to be competent in identifying and responding to domestic and family violence.

"Just because family violence hasn't been flagged in the pre-court process doesn't mean it's not present," Ms Augerinos said.

"If you don't have that training, you don't necessarily ask the right questions."

Others included appropriate support for victim-survivors during the court process, and prioritising child safety and wellbeing.

The statement said the decision to delay urgently needed changes was "absolutely unconscionable".

"We know what is needed to improve the system," it said.

"Women's and children's lives are on the line. They cannot wait another year for action."

The statement said the system needed comprehensive reform, and peak and practitioner bodies stood ready to co-design and help implement reforms focused on improving the system's safety.

"But we refuse to be complicit in the harm created by this new inquiry," it said.

"Given the nature of this inquiry, the manner in which it has been set up, and the composition and expressed positions of those leading it, we are aware that many victims-survivors do not feel safe to participate."

The Joint Select Committee on Australia's Family Law System issued a call for submissions last week.

The office of committee chair Kevin Andrews was contacted for comment.