Is a view different from a wish? Considering the child's view in parenting disputes in Australian family law matters.

This thesis explored the significance of and the intended purpose of the child custody law 2006 child 'voice' provision amendments to the Family Law Act of ascertaining a child's view instead of a child's wish. This thesis conducted both doctrinal and qualitative analysis to examine whether parliament intended that the amendment would translate to a change in statutory meaning which should in turn change the way Independent Children's Lawyers and Judges practiced. This thesis recommended legislative amendments to the Family Law Act to facilitate a clearer legislative pathway for a child's voice to be heard in parenting disputes