The Morrison Government is boosting the accessibility of Children's Contact Services by providing $40.7 million for 20 new services to fill geographical gaps in operation.
Children's Contact Services provide a child-focused and safe environment for supervised contact and facilitated changeovers for families across Australia who are unable to safely manage contact arrangements for their children.
This provides children of separating or separated parents the chance to maintain or re-establish a relationship with both parents and other significant persons in their lives.
Following community consultations, funding is being allocated to regions with the greatest estimated demand for the new services, based on factors such as proximity to the nearest service, target population and socio-economic disadvantage.
Applications for funding to establish a new service are sought from the following regions:
- Wide Bay
- Queensland - Outback
- Sydney - South West
- Hunter Valley excluding Newcastle
- Northern Territory - Outback
- Western Australia - Outback (North)
- New England and North West
- Melbourne - North West
- Melbourne - Outer East
- Adelaide - North
- North West
- Gold Coast
- Far West and Orana
- Perth - North East
- Hume
- Barossa - Yorke - Mid North
- Latrobe - Gippsland
- Cairns
- Sydney - North Sydney and Hornsby
- Riverina
"Navigating relationship breakdown and separation can be stressful for families, particularly where complex or difficult parenting arrangements exist," the Attorney-General said.
"Children's Contact Centres play a critical role in Australia's family law system, by ensuring that families can access safe, child-centred support to allow children to stay connected with both parents.
"Establishing 20 new services will ensure that more Australians are able to utilise these vital services."
This investment builds on the $68.8 million provided in the 2021-22 Budget to enhance the existing Children's Contact Services operating in 64 locations around Australia.
Applications for funding to deliver a Children's Contact Service opened today.
