Family Law Amendment (Federal Family Violence Orders) 2021

# Family Law Amendment (Federal Family Violence Orders) 2021 ## What it does This bill updates Australian family law to allow federal courts to issue family violence orders that protect court staff (specifically Registrars) from abuse or threats. It also makes technical fixes to tie this new protection into existing family violence laws and related legislation like social security and tax laws. ## Why it matters Court staff shouldn't have to endure harassment or violence while doing their jobs. This gives them the same legal protection that family violence orders already provide to other people in dangerous situations—meaning someone can be ordered to stay away, stop contact, or face serious consequences if they breach the order. ## Key details - **Who's protected**: Registrars working in federal family courts (the staff who handle administrative and some judicial functions) - **What triggers it**: A Registrar can apply for a family violence order if someone threatens, harasses, or endangers them because of their work - **Timeline**: Most changes take effect when Parliament sets a date (within 12 months of Royal Assent), though some parts start immediately and others depend on other court reforms being finalised first - **Legal consequences**: Breaching a family violence order can result in criminal penalties, just like any other family violence order breach