Australia's peak legal body wants all politicians to undergo domestic violence awareness training before a new probe into the family law system.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Law Council of Australia's push comes amid what the group labelled "dangerous suggestions" from One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts, who said the family law system was causing men to be violent.
The legal group's president Arthur Moses SC says it's inappropriate to blame victims, courts or judges for any act of family violence.
"Politicians must be careful not to use words that may incite those currently engaged in the system or dissatisfied with a court outcome to engage in violence," he said on Monday.
Senator Roberts' comments are "irresponsible and plain stupid", he added.
The Queensland senator can be seen in video from last year condemning the system alongside Australian Brotherhood of Fathers founder Leith Erikson and former One Nation's Queensland leader Steve Dickson.
"When you're a father and you can't get access to your kids, and you can't get access to the legal system properly - what else is there to do other than check out or hurt the other person?" Senator Roberts says.
"You can just see people just lashing out. The system is driving violence."
Mr Moses believes the views could incite further violence against partners, children or judges, or provide excuses for some to blame anyone but themselves for hurting others.
"The comments of Senator Roberts will undermine, not assist, concerns being raised by some members of the community for law reform as to how custody matters can be dealt with in a less adversarial manner."
The inquiry should focus on finding long-term solutions and not pinpoint blame, Mr Moses added.
Federal parliament last week signed off on another inquiry into Australia's family law system, to be co-chaired by One Nation senator Pauline Hanson after her repeated calls for the probe.
Senator Hanson has claimed some women made false domestic violence accusations to get custody of their children, citing her own son's bitter marriage breakdown.
Anti-domestic violence campaigners were outraged by her remarks.
The new inquiry will be chaired by conservative veteran MP Kevin Andrews, just months after a review by the Australian Law Reform Commission and two years after a previous parliamentary inquiry into family courts.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Mr Andrews was "well versed" in the issues likely to be raised in the inquiry.
"What we want to achieve is the best possible outcome for families who go through the family court system and that means ensuring they're fair outcomes and ensuring that families get the quickest possible outcomes," Mr Frydenberg told the ABC.
"We just need to refrain from trying to attribute blame and ... proceed calmly and in a considered way."
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Australian Associated Press
