To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. We the undersigned citizens of the Commonwealth, by this our humble petition respectfully showeth:

(a)   That the existing matrimonial laws in Australia are archaic, unrealistic and cruel and so completely at variance with modern thought as to require their immediate repeal.

(b)   That there is such urgent need for reform that there must be no delay in presenting the Family Law Bill 1974 to Parliament for debate.

(c)   That the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage be the sole ground for divorce with proof of this determined by a maximum of 12 months separation.

(d)   That dissolution of marriage must come out of the legal system with people resolving their family matters between themselves according to guidelines and with assistance of a mediator. Family courts only to be used for enforcement as a last resort.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Senator Chaney, Senator Gietzelt and Senator Guilfoyle.

Petitions received.