In this episode, Giles speaks with Emeritus Professor Patrick Parkinson, one of Australia’s most respected voices in family law. Patrick is the former Dean at the University of Queensland and has been a leading contributor to national law reform for several decades. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about families, conflict, parenting, community, and how the law can support people at their most vulnerable.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 What an Emeritus Professor actually does
03:30 Early life and the calling to family law
07:45 Academic path from Oxford
12:10 Lessons from living behind the Iron Curtain
17:20 The emotional realities behind child sexual abuse cases
25:05 When children express strong views in parenting disputes
32:40 Understanding family violence and coercive control
42:00 How marriage and relationship stability are changing
49:20 The creation and purpose of Family Relationship Centres
57:30 Why supporting parents before separation matters
1:04:00 Loneliness, disconnection, and rebuilding community
1:10:50 Advice for law students and young lawyers
1:17:20 Closing reflections
About the Guest
Patrick Parkinson is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland and one of the most influential family law academics in Australia. His work has shaped how courts, governments, and support systems think about parenting, separation, and child protection.
A word from our sponsor
Australian Family Lawyers and Watts McCray are two of Australia’s leading family law firms and form part of AF Legal Group Ltd, a national legal services provider. Together, they offer expert legal advice and tailored support across all areas of family law, including separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and financial agreements. With a strong presence across Australia and a team of highly experienced practitioners, including Accredited Specialists in family law, both firms provide trusted guidance through life’s most complex legal challenges. As part of the AF Legal Group, Australian Family Lawyers and Watts McCray combine national strength with local expertise, ensuring clients receive exceptional representation and support.
Links:
https://www.australianfamilylawyers.com.au/
https://www.wattsmccray.com.au/
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.