Legal Alerts
This section features alerts about changes to criminal, civil and family law, with a focus on legislative changes.
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Protection and care - Supreme Court WA on joinder application and rights of appeal
Mon, 01 May 2023
A recent Supreme Court case, REF -v- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES [2023] WASC 89 is of interest in relation to joinder applications and rights of appeal and what can amount to a substantial miscarriage of justice in child protection cases.
Read moreNew referral form for Dandjoo Bidi-Ak
Thu, 27 Apr 2023
The Children’s Court has published a referral form for Dandjoo Bidi-Ak.
Read moreFamily Law Amendment Bill 2023 introduced
Mon, 24 Apr 2023
The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced to Parliament on 29 March 2023. Further updates will be provided as the Bill progresses.
Read moreDistrict Court - Civil Procedure - Notice to Practitioners- Registrars' Powers to Approve Compromised Actions
Tue, 18 Apr 2023
A Notice to Practitioners- Registrars' Powers to Approve Compromised Actions has been issued by the District Court.
Read moreRecent High Court immigration case
Mon, 17 Apr 2023
In a recent High Court immigration decision, a majority decided the government cannot circumvent migration law by making policies limiting which cases will be considered by the minister.
Read moreCriminal and Civil – Animal Welfare and Trespass Legislation Amendment Act 2023 – in force 7 April
Tue, 04 Apr 2023
A new trespass offence will be added to the Criminal Code from 7 April 2023. Changes will also be made the Restraining Orders Act relating to misconduct restraining orders.
Read moreEvaluation of Children's Contact Service Activity - survey closes 29 March 2023
Mon, 27 Feb 2023
The Australian Institute of Family Studies has been commissioned to undertake an evaluation of the Children’s Contact Service activity provided by not-for-profit providers funded by the Family Relationships Services Program.
Read moreReadiness hearings and expert witness affidavits
Thu, 16 Feb 2023
The Family Court of WA has provided advice to family law practitioners in relation to readiness hearings and expert witness affidavits.
Read moreFamily Law Council stakeholder survey on the rights of children and young people - deadline extended to 10 March 2023
Tue, 07 Feb 2023
The Family Law Council is hosting a stakeholder survey to identify areas of improvement in Australia’s family law system regarding the rights of children and young people. The deadline has been extended to 10 March 2023.
Read moreConsultation open for draft Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 - submissions due by 27 Feb 2023
Fri, 03 Feb 2023
The Attorney-General’s Office is taking submissions on the draft Family Law Amendment Bill 2023. Submissions are due by 27 February 2023.
Read moreNew provisions for paid family and domestic violence leave starting for some workers on 1 February 2023
Wed, 01 Feb 2023
New family and domestic violence leave provisions for many workers from 1 February 2023
Read moreCriminal Law (Mental Impairment) Bill 2022 introduced
Mon, 09 Jan 2023
This new Act will replace the Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 1996.
Read moreCriminal Appeals Amendment Act 2022 - in force 1 January 2023
Mon, 09 Jan 2023
The Criminal Appeals Amendment Act 2022 has introduced the ability for second and subsequent appeals against conviction.
Read moreCriminal - District Court Protocols for referrals to IDDP and Start Court
Tue, 03 Jan 2023
The District Court website now includes Protocols for referral to IDDP and Start Court.
Read moreLiquor Control Amendment (Protected Entertainment Precincts) Act 2022 in operation from 24 December 2022
Fri, 23 Dec 2022
The Liquor Control Amendment (Protected Entertainment Precincts) Act 2022 other than Part 1, comes into operation on 24 December 2022.
Read moreChildren's Court - New Practice Directions
Tue, 20 Dec 2022
New Practice Directions for the Children's Court of WA in effect from 1 January 2023.
Read moreProtection and care- resolution of non-compliance with an interim order proceedings in the Children's Court
Wed, 07 Dec 2022
Use of section 39 Children's Court of Western Australia 1988 for non-compliance by the Department of Communities with an interim order.
Read moreCriminal and civil- Changes to working with Children Checks legislation
Mon, 05 Dec 2022
Changes to the Working with Children Checks legislation have passed through the WA parliament.
Read moreLiquor Control Amendment (Protected Entertainment Precincts) Bill 2022 - proclamation pending & updated overview
Wed, 30 Nov 2022
The Liquor Control Amendment (Protected Entertainment Precincts) Bill 2022 has now passed both Houses of Parliament and will come into effect on Proclamation.
Read moreCivil - Changes to restraining orders forms
Mon, 28 Nov 2022
Changes to restraining order forms came into effect on 19 November 2022.
Read moreDisclaimer
The information displayed on this page is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should see a lawyer. Legal Aid Western Australia aims to provide information that is accurate, however does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided on this page or incorporated into it by reference.