Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

The purpose of the Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 is to make minor, technical and uncontroversial amendments to civil justice legislation in order to improve its operation and clarity. I would like to thank the following senators for their contribution to the debate of the bill: Senator Polley and Senator Brockman.

The bill compiles minor amendments to civil law and justice legislation. Amendments to the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and the Legislation Act 2003 would clarify the validity of ministerial actions and the operation of provisions about the management of compilations prepared for the Federal Register of Legislation.

Amendments to the Archives Act 1983 would provide the National Archives of Australia with an enhanced ability to appropriately manage high-volume applications requesting access to records and to make other minor technical amendments, including repealing outdated provisions that do not reflect the archive's current services or technological advances.

Amendments to the Bankruptcy Act 1966 would clarify that the Family Court of Australia has bankruptcy jurisdiction when a trustee applies to have a financial agreement set aside under the Family Law Act.

An amendment to the Domicile Act 1982 would amend the act so that it applies to territories currently specified in the Domicile Regulations 1982.

An amendment to the Evidence Act 1995 would update the presumption about when postal articles sent by prepaid post are received to accord with changes to Australia Post delivery times.

Amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 would strengthen Australia's response to international parental child abduction, clarify the range of persons who may discharge the powers of registry managers in the Family Court of Australia and improve the consistency in the application of provisions for de facto and married couples. The bill also includes amendments to update the arrest, entry and search powers under the Family Law Act and adds additional safeguards for the exercise of those powers. The amended arrest provisions are better tailored for the needs of— (Time expired)

Debate interrupted.

The Senate transcript was published up to 12:45. The remainder of the transcript will be published progressively as it is completed.