To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate of Australia in Parliament assembled: The humble Petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth-

That in modern society which accepts divorce, the Law of Divorce should be fair to both parties. However we are very concerned about proposals to alter the law in the 'Family Law Bill 1974.'

1.   The Family Law Bill 1974 would fundamentally change the institution of marriage itself, and all existing and future marriages.

2.   The said Bill does not provide or protect the legal or social rights of women and children in the family.

3.   The said Bill does not provide for either the training of suitable counsellors who can assist in conciliation procedures or for suitable initiatives to be taken prior to the breakdown of marriage.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that this Bill be tabled for six months and that all sections of the community be consulted on marriage, and the long term effects of such a Bill upon our Australian Society.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.