GPV/KCV scrutinises law, policy and practice, asking: what is best for all children and what effect will the decisions we take today have on their futures?
GPV/KCV recognises that guidelines exist for the creation and use of Family Impact Statements (FIS) when putting proposals to local federal or state government councils or cabinets but is disappointed in the underutilisation of these statements and their lack of public visibility.
The Board of Grandparents Victoria and Kinship Carers Victoria believes that families are made up of many complex relationships and that the role of grandparents in keeping these relationships healthy is crucial, involving acceptance of the diversity amongst us all.
The Board supports the right of same-sex couples to make their own decisions about whether or not they marry. The Board urges the Australian Parliament to make it possible through changes to legislation for this right to be enabled.
The Board supports the stance taken by Australian Human Rights Commission which considers that the fundamental human rights principle of equality means that civil marriage should be available, without discrimination, to all couples, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Further, the Board believes that too many precious public funds have been expended on this debate, that no more should be wasted and that the Australian Government should lead the way to resolve this matter quickly.