The Government intends passing its Care of Children Bill next week, and will put Parliament into urgency this Thursday so the legislation can complete its committee stage.

Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope, who is in charge of the bill, said today it was the most significant improvement to guardianship laws in almost 40 years.

“The public have also asked for a more open Family Court. It is important that people have confidence in the court while recognising that issues being discussed may be intensely private and personal.

“Access to the court by accredited media, with clear guidelines to retain the anonymity of the parties and children involved, will remove misconceptions that the Family Court’s previously private hearings might have allowed for unfair processes and bias.”