PATRICK PARKINSON

Patrick Parkinson is an Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Queensland where he served as Dean from 2018 - 2021. Professor Parkinson is a specialist in family law and child protection. His books include Australian Family Law in Context (8th ed, 2023), Family Law and the Indissolubility of Parenthood (2011), The Voice of a Child in Family Law Disputes (with Judy Cashmore, 2008), and Child Sexual Abuse and the Churches (2nd ed, 2003). Professor Parkinson served from 2004-2007 as Chairperson of the Family Law Council, an advisory body to the federal Attorney- General, and also chaired a review of the Child Support Scheme in 2004-05 which led to the enactment of major changes to the Child Support Scheme. He also led a review of NSW child protection legislation in the mid-1990s which led to the enactment of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).  He was President of the International Society of Family Law from 2011-14.  He has written extensively in scholarly articles and newspapers about issues concerning the medical treatment of gender incongruent minors.