ABSTRACT
The Family Court plays a central role in the Australian legal system, and specialises in issues of great importance to children and families. This chapter discusses an interview of the Honourable Diana Bryant AO who was appointed Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia. This interview reflects several contemporary concerns about family law and its implementation in Australia, including changes over time as well as ongoing challenges. Family law is indeed a controversial area in many jurisdictions, and as Chief Justice Bryant indicated, it will remain so. Many of the issues raised in this interview are shared across jurisdictions. As funding for courts is squeezed along with other indications of austerity, family courts in many countries are trying to divert the less complicated cases and save costs where possible. While a core body of truly complicated cases will persist, the Family Court of Australia continues to evolve to address them.
