Broken Fathers Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Guest - Mick & April Fox Mick grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and lived independently from age 16 following his parents' early separation. His youth was marked by significant hardship, including losing one close friend to suicide at age 17 and another to murder at 18. He has two brothers, each separated by a 13-year age gap. Rugby league became a cornerstone of his life, and he continues to train at his old club to mentor and guide younger players. Though Mick faced two assault charges at age 23 while completing a carpentry apprenticeship, his life shifted when he met his partner at a football game and became a father to his daughter, April, at age 22. He embraced fatherhood and eventually built a family home on a farm. Inspired by his grandfather's WWII service and great-grandfather's WWI service, Mick joined the Australian Army at age 28. In 2000, he marched into 3 RAR and deployed to East Timor the following year. During this deployment, his family situation deteriorated. After a patrol, his sergeant informed him that April’s mother had called the battalion while heavily intoxicated to report a bizarre incident involving a naked Navy officer outside her home. This exposed a severe, ongoing issue with alcohol and multiple overdoses in her life, creating a complicated family environment that profoundly impacted Mick and his children. Alcohol had become a serious issue in April’s mother’s life, alongside a history of multiple overdoses — creating an increasingly difficult family situation for Mick and his children. After suffering a serious back injury in East Timor, Mick underwent 14 surgeries and was eventually discharged from the Army in 2004. Just four weeks later, he flew to Iraq to begin private contracting, before later working in Somalia. In 2006, while Mick was home on leave, April’s mother overdosed. April was only seven years old. A second overdose followed in 2008, prompting Mick to leave contracting behind and return home to support his family. But the situation continued to deteriorate. After a third overdose in 2009, Mick says the family became caught up in AVO proceedings and serious allegations, including a rape allegation that he maintains was false. Then, on 16 April 2010, Mick narrowly survived a shooting in which his friend was murdered in front of him. His story would take yet another extraordinary turn when his home was deliberately burnt down under circumstances Mick says raised serious questions about changes made to insurance policies shortly beforehand. Eventually, Witness Protection became involved. Mick and his daughter April open about these events, what really happened behind the scenes, and the lasting impact it had on their family. By this point, Mick had had enough. Feeling like his voice wasn’t being heard, he decided to send a message that couldn’t be ignored — he would climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in protest. Mick began conducting reconnaissance and, on 12 May 2011, completed a Bridge Climb tour to familiarise himself with the bridge, its anchor points and access routes. The following morning, Friday 13 May 2011, Mick arrived beneath the bridge at around 4am, leaving a walkie-talkie and note in his car for police. Once on the bridge, he secured his banners and called Matty Johns’ radio show to deliver his message about parental alienation and the family court system While speaking with police negotiators, Mick agreed to come down but asked not to be handcuffed in front of the cameras because he didn’t want his children seeing that on the news. The protest gained national attention, and Mick says he received close to 30,000 messages on Facebook afterwards. For April, the story was deeply personal. She remembers a happy childhood riding horses and being homeschooled, while loving both her parents unconditionally. But she also remembers the difficult times surrounding her mother’s drinking and witnessing her father being arrested. At around 12 years old, April was placed into witness protection under a new identity. She struggled to understand why her father had been taken away while she remained in an unstable environment, leaving her with a lasting distrust of authority. April eventually returned home in 2017. She says seeing her dad on the Sydney Harbour Bridge had always made her proud, and the memory helped carry her through some of her darkest days. In 2019, April climbed the Beenleigh Bridge, framed a photo from the moment and sent it to Mick for Father’s Day. Years later, the story came full circle when Mick, April and his son climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge together — this time, not in protest, but as a family. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 35 Guest - Pete Dane This is a touching story of a man, by the name of Peter Dane, who has really seen it all - literally from both sides of the fence, and I mean both sides! By all accounts, Peter was an upstanding law-abiding citizen, having spent 19 years working within the NSW law enforcement and criminal justice system, to then being managed by it! He was hard-working, a loving, and devoted father, a genuine, straight-shooter, and all round good bloke, that so many people easily got along with! Unfortunately, after having separated from his now ex-wife back in late 2016, after having spent 18.5 years together, things turned sour quite quickly! Having three (3) children from this union, his ex-wife began to make things very difficult for him in seeing his children (constantly withholding the children from him and playing mind games etc), whereby he was forced to commence family court proceedings in order to gain fair access. Such family court proceedings went back and forth through the family court system for about five (5) years or so, costing him hundreds and thousands of dollars along the way, and at the end, very little was gained! Shortly after his separation from his ex-wife, his ex-wife began to bring their personal marital/relationship issues into his workplace (via her attending the house of, and speaking to one of Peter's female work colleagues at the time), coupled with her making multiple fabricated, vexatious, and malicious allegations against him, which in turn caused Peter enormous and irreparable damage to his work environment and relationships with his then work colleagues. This was all in part to his ex-wife "rebelling" and her "resentment" against the separation, as she made a comment to Peter just prior to him leaving the family home, saying words to the effect of "The moment you walk out this door, I'm going to make your life a fuckin living hell, make no mistake about that, you hear me"! By all accounts his ex-wife was a very "scorned", "spiteful", and "resentful" woman! In late 2017, about 12 months or so after his marriage separation, Peter (with reservations at the time) began a new relationship with a woman he met and fonded a strong relationship with through work. What appeared to start out great, soon turned out to be a living nightmare! Peter describes how his new partner (now ex-partner who he was in a romantic relationship with for about two (2) years), was fixated (on his ex-wife), and would constantly bring up matters involving his ex-wife and her toxic and hostile behaviour. His ex-partner would constantly (on a near daily basis) engage in heavy alcohol use (to the point of intoxication), whereby she would become extremely aggressive, abusive, threatening, throwing objects at him, and constantly looking for and wanting to engage in heated arguments and confrontations, namely over matters his ex-wife had and was continually causing etc! She would also make up things to start an argument, that simply weren't there or true! Peter describes how once his ex-wife became aware of his new relationship, things with his ex-wife deteriorated rapidly, and spiralled out of control, whereby she took things to another level! Peter describes how he was subjected to countless violent threats, abuse, hostilities etc from his ex-wife and some of her family members; he was subjected to physical assaults by his ex-wife, including attempts by his ex-wife to run him over in her motor vehicle while their three (3) children where inside, his ex-wife turning up to his house uninvited and creating a scene at the house (yelling, screaming, making verbal threats etc), including kicking the front door, amongst many other incidents. Peter explains he made about 11 reports to police about these various incidents, seeking an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) be taken out against his ex-wife, but it was to no avail. It was only after his 12th police report being lodged, and his car being damaged by his ex-wife, that police finally took out a ADVO. Despite such, Peter advises that his ex-wife not only breached such ADVO once, but twice, and in turn was only given a "verbal warning" from the Courts regarding such breaches. Given the significant toxic and hostile issues Peter was experiencing, namely involving his ex-wife, and ex-partner, coupled with the access limitations he was having in being able to see his three (3) children at the time; Peter's mental health had deteriorated rapidly, to the point whereby he sadly made numerous suicide attempts, resulting in him having to spend many weeks in and out of the ICU, hospitals, and psychiatric units. By all accounts, Peter should have been dead by his poor chosen actions at the time, but by some absolute miracle, he is thankfully still alive and here with us which is amazing! Sadly, in late 2019, things between him, his ex-partner, and his ex-wife continued to rapidly deteriorate, coupled with the fact his three (3) children were being withheld from him by his ex-wife, which had tipped him over the edge. Very sadly, and unfortunately, as a result of Peter reacting, acting out, and engaging in some very poor choices and poor behaviour on a particular night, he found himself in some serious trouble with the law, whereby he was charged by police with several DV related offences, to which he plead guilty to, and was subsequently incarcerated for! It takes a real man to own up to his mistakes, and Peter fully and openly acknowledges, accepts, and takes full responsibility for all his wrongdoings, his poor choices, and his unacceptable behaviour (without minimising), regarding the events of what happened on that horrendous night! This is definitely a life-changing story on so many fronts, which is not to be missed!! Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 34 Guest - Adrian Perez In one of our most confronting and emotionally powerful episodes, Adrian Perez shares the unimaginable reality of being separated from his daughters through parental alienation. With remarkable honesty and vulnerability, he recounts the events that led to losing contact with his children and the profound grief that comes from missing years of their lives. Adrian speaks openly about the emotional rollercoaster of navigating the family court system, the financial and psychological toll it has taken on him, and the heartbreaking moments of watching precious milestones pass by from a distance. He reflects on the feelings of helplessness, isolation, and despair that so many parents experience when they are denied meaningful contact with their children, while also discussing the importance of maintaining hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. Throughout our conversation, Adrian highlights the long-term consequences that parental alienation and high-conflict family disputes can have—not only on parents but, more importantly, on children. He shares the coping strategies that have helped him continue moving forward, the lessons he has learned through his journey, and why he believes awareness, reform, and open conversations are essential to protecting families. This episode isn't simply about one father's heartbreaking story. It's a conversation about resilience, unconditional love, mental health, and the enduring bond between a parent and child. Adrian's courage in sharing his experience sheds light on an issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors and offers hope to others who may be walking a similar path. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, legal professional, mental health practitioner, or someone wanting to better understand the human impact of family separation, this episode is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It serves as a powerful reminder that every family has a story, and every child deserves the opportunity to have healthy, loving relationships with the important people in their lives whenever it is safe to do so. In this episode, we discuss: Adrian's journey through parental alienation and family separation. The emotional, financial, and psychological impact of prolonged court proceedings. The devastating effects of losing contact with his daughters. The importance of resilience, mental health, and finding purpose through adversity. Why greater awareness and meaningful conversations around parental alienation matter. Adrian's message of hope for parents facing similar challenges. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 33 Guest - Benson Tan & Collette Farron For years, Benson stayed silent. Not because he had nothing to say, but because he was silenced. Now, after years of court battles, separation from his daughters, false allegations, legal proceedings, and a relentless fight to remain part of their lives, he is sharing his story publicly for the very first time. From being best friends since the mid-90s, to creating two beautiful daughters together through IVF, life took a path no one could have imagined. What started as an amicable co-parenting relationship after his wife had multiple affairs eventually turned into a nightmare. Following an incident where his ex-wife assaulted his partner, a DVO was put in place on him, communication was cut off, and a father was suddenly unable to see or speak to his children. After years of fighting, consent orders were finally reached, offering hope that a meaningful relationship with his daughters could be rebuilt. But the battle didn’t end there. Constant allegations, ongoing court appearances, and repeated attempts to stop contact took their toll. After years of emotional, financial, and legal exhaustion, he reached a point where he simply couldn’t keep fighting. This is the story of a father who never wanted to walk away but was worn down by a system and a process that seemed determined to keep him away. When the legal battles ended, the emotional impact remained. This episode isn’t just about one father. It’s about the cost of family breakdown, the challenges of navigating complex legal systems, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up when every door seems closed. After years of staying silent, he’s ready to share his experience. This is his story. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 31 Guest - Leana Carter In this week's episode, I speak with Leana Carter (a pseudonym used to protect her identity), who worked for DV Connect for over five years. With her voice altered for safety, Leana reveals the internal operations of the organization and discusses what she describes as a significant gender bias. While DV Connect’s mission is to provide safety, transport, and crisis support for Queenslanders, Leana highlights several concerns regarding equality and workplace culture: * Operational Discrepancies: The women’s crisis line operates 24/7, while the men’s line is only available from 9:00 AM to midnight. * Training and Gender Lens: Leana discusses the employee training manual, which she claims focuses exclusively on a female-centric "gender lens." She explains that staff are trained from recognizing men as victims and that challenging this perspective can lead to termination. * Internal Culture: The episode covers allegations of a "man-hating" culture, illegal "perp checks" on personal acquaintances, and high employee turnover. * Funding and KPIs: We discuss how the organization meets specific quotas to maintain funding requirements. * Triage and Procedures: Leana explains the three-tier system—from the initial 10-minute screening call to phone-based intake and finally shelter placement—and the challenges involving male children over the age of 12. * System Manipulation and Misconduct : The conversation touches on how the system is exploited for payouts through Victims Assist QLD (VAQ), as well as allegations of a serious drug culture within the office. She references one case where one woman got paid $100,000 on year. * Dug Culture: Leana talks about the bad Drug culture that happens in the office. There is a serious cocaine problem not only being used but also being dealt. This episode offers a candid look at the government narrative that only women can be victims and the reality behind the scenes of the so called "Equality" of DV. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 31 Guest - Len Jessop & his partner Angela On this episode I am joined by author of A Lethal Phobia, Len Jessop, and his partner Angela — who wrote the foreword to the book. Len is a father who has not seen his children in nearly three years. His love for them has never waned, his door remains open to them forever, and he is so proud of them both. Shaped by a stoic father and a mother with a heart of gold, Len's personal story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and defiant endurance. We also find time to talk about rugby league. In this conversation we cover the domestic violence industry and the uncomfortable truth that deaths are rising despite record funding. We discuss a peculiar and largely unknown Queensland law that Len believes represents a genuine risk to anyone accused under it. We talk about how compliance, self preservation, and institutional preservation consistently appear to take precedence over uncomfortable facts — and why those who challenge the accepted narrative so rarely find institutional support for doing so. We talk about the designed machine — Len's argument that the system is not broken but functioning exactly as intended. His criticism is directed at systems and institutions rather than individuals — and that distinction matters. We discuss perception versus reality — and the framework Len developed for getting closer to truth. Base Reality plus Context plus Cui Bono. He talks about choosing life when the darkness was at its deepest and why he believes nobody should throw away their ticket. This is an honest, evidence based, and at times confronting conversation about a system that affects far more families than most Australians realise. His book — A Lethal Phobia — is available now at alethophobia.com . Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 29 Guest - Rodney Joyce On this episode, I am joined by Rodney Joyce, a 57-year-old father of three from Ballina. Rodney shares the deeply personal story of fighting for his children and the struggles with mediation. After separating from his first partner when his daughter was 4 years old, Rodney found co-parenting manageable until his daughter turned eight and contact was abruptly cut off. He describes his experience with mediation and explains why he found the process ineffective for his situation. He recalls the heartbreaking experience of waiting for his daughter on Christmas Day, only to be told she would not be coming. After meeting his second partner, they welcomed a son a year later. However, challenges soon emerged within the relationship. Rodney discusses these difficulties, including a traumatic assault that resulted in a police-issued protection order for his safety. He also details the subsequent legal battle in the NSW Children’s Court involving fabricated allegations. Rodney opens up about a difficult event where he received a letter claiming he had abducted his son. This situation unfortunately resulted in Rodney’s family having to drive his son to the airport to hand him over to his ex-partner. On a lighter note, Rodney also shares his experiences with his lawyer, jokingly referencing the character "Dennis Denuto" from the 1997 Australian film, The Castle. Furthermore, Rodney touches on his 24-year journey of paying child support, the sacrifices he made to provide for his daughter, and his subsequent fight to recover funds owed to him. Today, Rodney has been happily married for 17 years. He is grateful to have all three of his children in his life and credits his beloved staffy, who was by his side for 17 years, for helping him through his darkest times. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 26 Guest - Alex Johnson In this week’s episode, I am joined by Alex Johnson, a long-term employee at Child Support. Please note that to protect my guest's identity, I have changed their name and altered their voice. When I announced this interview and asked for your input, I received over 500 questions across all platforms. I am pleased to share that we managed to cover nearly 80% of the topics you requested. During our conversation, my guest agrees that the Child Support formula needs to be updated. They explain that the agency can typically only backdate three months of arrears, extending to nine months only under special circumstances. We also discuss a wide range of topics, including: - ART & TRIP (Tax Return Intercept Process) Centrelink payments and domestic violence exemptions - Maximum income thresholds ($232,843.00) - The six formulas used in an assessment - Section 106A - Staff burnout and the training provided when mistakes occur - The backlog of objections and Change of Assessments (COA) - 28-day time frame for objections - Why court orders can be "rinse and repeat" & how to avoid wasting time - The impact of withholding children without justification - Business rules and regular care - Understaffing and resource shortages within the CSA - The Telecommunications Act regarding recording calls - Debt offsets and late penalty fees (and where those fees go) - Why the CSA will not pause payments - How payments adjust when a child turns 18 - The challenges of working within the agency - MTAWE (Male Total Average Weekly Earnings) in child support assessments - Garnishing / freezing accounts - Different departments in child support - Paying parent vs Receiving Parent - Private arrangements - Family court issues vs Child Support Issues - Overdue child support / Departure Prohibition Orders (DPO) - Reporting income (Incrementally) - CSA staff receive intense 12 weeks initial training package If you are struggling to navigate the child support system, this is an episode you don't want to miss. We cover a wide range of topics, and it is likely that any questions or queries you have will be answered in this discussion. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 28 Guest - Thomas Haxby On this episode, we are joined by Thomas Haxby, father of one. Originally from Nottingham in the UK, Thomas moved to Australia with his parents and two sisters at the age of four. Only a year later, he was diagnosed with the rare condition Perthes disease, and was told he would need to rely on his mind—not his body—throughout life. Through discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable mindset, Thomas proved every prediction wrong. He went on to build a career as a trainer, mentor, and role model for youth and men today. Thomas spent roughly twelve years with his former partner—his best friend, his companion, and the mother of his child. Life changed quickly. One moment they were together on the Gold Coast, planning their next family holiday; shortly after returning home, the relationship ended. What followed was a 14‑month legal battle involving property settlement and custody of his daughter. Thomas speaks openly about the reality many men face in family law. His message is clear: If you conduct yourself with integrity, stay disciplined, treat every interaction as if it will be reviewed in court, and think three steps ahead, men can achieve fair outcomes. Thomas secured 50/50 custody and retained his property—through patience, preparation, and allowing the other side to make their own mistakes. Throughout the process, meditation and a strong partnership with his lawyer became essential. Thomas entered mediation with complete confidence, backed by documentation, evidence, and emotional control. Within ten minutes, 50/50 care was granted—a result he had fought for relentlessly. His advice to men is simple and powerful: - Document everything. - Stay cool, calm, collected, and calculated. - Work with a lawyer you genuinely connect with—don’t just hire the first name you find. - Do your research, build your case, and protect your character at all costs. Thomas shares this story not for sympathy, but for awareness. Throughout the process, attempts were made to break him, provoke him, and drag him out of character. But he refused to slip. He was fighting for his daughter, his business, and his livelihood—and he was never going to be defeated. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 27 Guest - Robbie & Olivia Hay In this episode we meet Robbie and Olivia Hay. Robbie was brought up by his single dad with holiday visits to his mum. After leaving school for work at aged 16, he shortly after met his now ex-partner (the mother of his children). Cracks were there from the beginning but being so young and already surrounded by other fractured relationships Robbie thought this to be normal. Robbie tells us about his experience as a victim of domestic violence, love bombing, bread crumbing and going through withholding abuse. After the birth of his 2 children, in 2014 and 2021, he officially split from the mother of his children and shortly after met Olivia, now his wife. Since their meeting his ex-partner did everything in her power to cause turmoil in their relationship and also withheld the children. Despite engaging with the Family Court system in hopes of establishing a healthy co-parenting arrangement, Robbie describes a highly complex and frustrating legal process. Following a four-day trial—during which he was permitted to respond to claims but unable to present his own evidence—a No Contact order was issued. Consequently, Robbie is restricted from contacting his children until they reach the age of 18. This heartbreaking story is one of many with a similar formula: another father who trusted a system that, instead of protecting families, has left children fatherless. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 25 Guest - Brentin Mumford On this week’s episode, I am joined by Brentin Mumford, a 38-year-old father of three. Originally from Lismore, New South Wales, but now resides on the Gold Coast. He is a retired mixed martial artist who currently focuses his time and energy on coaching and building Fighting Fathers out of CMBT Fight gym in Burleigh. After attempting mediation in 2023, the challenges he faced throughout that process inspired him to establish the organization fighting fathers. His goal is to provide essential support to other men as they navigate the complexities of the system. Brentin being the Eldest of 5, grew up in a small country town known as Lismore. He got into ice hockey at a young age. In 2003 when he turned 16 he left go to to Edmonton, Alberta Canada for hockey. He returned to Australia 2 years later and rekindled with his ex from high school and fell pregnant and before he knew it, he was a kid raising a kid. They lived at Brentin’s in-laws until they got stable which saw Brentin have his daughter at the age of 27. In 2008, Brentin was involved in a fatal car accident involving an elderly man. This event profoundly impacted his mental health, leading him to seek professional help. However, he found the experience unproductive, describing the attempt to heal as trying to fix a broken mirror that will always remain cracked. Brentin’s personal life has also seen significant upheaval. Eight years after the birth of his son, he and his partner had a daughter. Despite hopes that a second child might reignite the relationship, they separated when she was six months old but maintained a healthy co-parenting relationship to which they still have today, 11yrs later. He later entered a new relationship and had another child. When this relationship ended, his ex-partner began creating obstacles for him to see his son, making it difficult for them to bond. This situation left him with no choice but to initiate mediation. While early private discussions seemed promising, the dynamic shifted significantly during the joint Zoom mediation session, where the mediator’s demeanor was entirely different from their previous one on one interactions. During mediation, Brentin's PTSD and his use of medical marijuana to manage sleep-related night terrors following his car accident was brought up and used against him. The mediation agreement established six-week visitation blocks, with hours increasing in each subsequent block. There had been a request for Brentin to undergo a hair follicle test regularly. He knew that this test will return a positive result, as he continues to use prescribed medical cannabis to assist with his sleep. In 2022, Brentin was living on the Gold Coast when a major flood destroyed his parents' home in Lismore. Unknown to him, a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) had been served to that flooded address. Because the police did not attempt to contact him via phone or social media, Brentin was unaware of the order until friends began sending him news links regarding a warrant for his arrest. Confused and shocked, Brentin handed himself in. He was subsequently charged with intimidation. This experience highlighted the significant struggles and legal communication breakdowns within the system; Brentin recounts one specific day in court where everything that could go wrong did. Brentin’s eldest son resided with him full time and he was advised to plead guilty and focus his energy on the two children currently in his care due to the unpredictability of the court system. Given Brentin's background as a professional MMA fighter, the barrister noted that the judge may view the circumstances more critically, and fighting the charges would likely prolong the process. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 25 Guest - Tony Nikolic In the next episode, I sit down with Tony Nikolic — Australian solicitor, principal of AFL Solicitors, and one of the country’s most unapologetic advocates for human and civil rights. His work is defined by a singular professional duty: to protect without fear or favour, regardless of pressure, politics, or personal cost. Practising nationally across commercial litigation, complex family law, estates, and criminal law, Tony operates at the sharp edge of Australia’s legal system, where individual rights collide with institutional power. Tony holds two Master of Laws degrees — one in Family Dispute Resolution (with accreditation in mediation) and another in Commercial Litigation — alongside an Honours degree in Criminology, qualifications as a Notary, and a Diploma in Business Management. He is also a published author, contributing to the International Handbook of Whistleblower Research (2014), where he examined the protection of whistleblowers and taxpayers — reinforcing his lifelong commitment to accountability and justice. Widely respected for his work in high-conflict family law, Tony represents clients in matters where parenting disputes and property proceedings intersect with criminal allegations and systemic failure. His advocacy extends beyond individual cases into the reform space, where he champions evidence-based legal change, including his proposed Family Law “Three Strikes” model, designed to address repeated breaches of parenting orders and restore accountability to the system. We examine the gatekeeping of children, the reality that as little as 30 days of separation can sever a child’s emotional bond with a parent, and the enduring lack of meaningful support for fathers in Australia. Restoring Accountability: The Three Strikes Reform Tony outlines his proposed Three Strikes Enforcement Structure, a reform to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) designed to introduce clarity, consistency, and meaningful consequences for repeated breaches of parenting orders — interim or final — while always maintaining the best interests of the child. Key proposed reforms include: Strike 1 – Civil Penalty • $500 civil fine • Mandatory make-up time for denied contact • Formal entry in a Parenting Order Enforcement Register Strike 2 – Escalation and Warning • Further $500 fine • Formal judicial warning • Power to vary parenting orders to restore compliance Strike 3 – Criminal Referral • Referral for criminal prosecution for serious interference • Power to reverse custody • Minimum six months supervised contact for the non-compliant parent (at their expense), or • Appointment of a parenting coordinator funded by the non-compliant party Tony also discusses his recent meetings in the United States with Robert Garza, a Texas-based father and advocate whose lived experience with parental alienation helped drive reforms restoring parenting time. Since returning, Tony has refined the model for Australia and submitted the draft Bill to Senator Malcolm Roberts. Time Taken Must Be Time Returned The proposed Bill further amends the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to ensure parenting time is restored where a parent has been denied access due to: • Child protection investigations, or • Family violence, intervention, or restraining orders - where no finding of abuse, neglect, or risk of harm is ultimately made. These reforms prevent parents from being permanently deprived of court-ordered time based on unsubstantiated allegations, while preserving judicial discretion and the paramount consideration of the child’s welfare. Tony’s guiding principle is simple: “Hold the line.” Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 23 Guest - Digby Ioane On my next episode I sit down with Digby Ioane, a Brisbane-based father of two who spent four years navigating the family court system. Born in New Zealand and of Samoan heritage, Digby moved to Melbourne at age one. He grew up as the youngest of nine, five boys and four girls, in a family-oriented home. His parents later adopted six more children from Samoa, and their house was always full. If one of his older brothers met someone who was homeless or struggling, they would bring them home too. Later, while playing overseas, Digby moved to France to join Stade Français, where he met the mother of his first child. Their relationship began to break down shortly after his son’s birth. Digby had flown his baby mother and son to Melbourne so his son could spend time with his father, who was gravely ill. She left to France early for a job interview, and two days after she left with his son, his father passed away. Digby shared in the podcast that when he tried to express how much he was hurting, she told him to “Just get over it.” That moment, on top of losing the man he described as the family’s protector whose love was “on another level,” became a breaking point. Shortly after his first relationship ended, Digby met his second partner, the mother of his second child. Throughout their relationship, she questioned how Digby managed to afford his properties and expenses. His sister, who handled his finances, had been diagnosed with cancer. His partner used this to convince him to let her “help” and eventually “take over” managing his finances. She pushed him to set up internet banking, something he had never used before, so she could pay bills and renovation invoices while he travelled for rugby and flew frequently to Melbourne to care for his dying sister. This is how she was able to access his accounts. When his sister passed away, Digby asked her to fly down for the funeral. She agreed but asked him to pay for her best friend’s flight as well. She came down but left before the burial, flying back to Brisbane with their son because he was “sick,” leaving Digby to mourn alone. Digby remained in Melbourne for two weeks to support his family. His 12-year-old nephew, also named Digby, asked if he could move to Brisbane to live with him, just as Digby had previously done for his nephew Monty Ioane, who is now an international rugby player for Italy. When he told his partner the plan, she “lost it” and gave him the ultimatum: “IT’S EITHER ME OR YOUR NEPHEW.” Digby refused to abandon his nephew and stood his ground. Consequently, she left, telling Digby that her father was sick and that she was going to Canberra to stay & look after him. All of a sudden, Police are calling Digby wanting to question him about a whole list of fabricated allegations his ex has made.During the proceedings, Digby discovered that his ex had been transferring $5,000 daily from his account into her own. When the transactions were traced, they showed she had used the money to pay off her personal credit card debt and had moved funds into multiple bank accounts she controlled. On the surface, it appeared she was “paying all the bills,” but the deposits funding those bills were coming directly from Digby’s income, rental properties, and the rugby clinics. Their relationship lasted only 20 months. She had moved into a fully paid-off house, contributed nothing to the mortgage, and the household was funded by his passive income and rugby work, yet she initially sought a “70/30 split.” Following years of emotional, financial and legal pressure, Digby’s friend advised him to make a final offer of $100,000 “so she’ll accept it and disappear.” Within five minutes of receiving the email, she accepted, signed and returned the documents.In total, Digby spent around $710,000 through this ordeal. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 22 Guest – Pauline Hanso n On our next episode of the broken fathers podcast I sit speak with someone who’s not only seen the pain, but spoken out about it—in Parliament, on national television, and in the face of fierce opposition. She’s a a federal senator, the founder of One Nation, and one of the few politicians who’s dared to publicly call the family court system for what many of us know it to be “BROKEN”. A strong independent woman, Senator Pauline Hanson. Senator Hanson’s first marriage was in the 1970s and after it ended, she found herself a single mother at the age of 33. She didn’t claim child support or other assets. She worked diligently to support herself and her child. She later married a second time and had two more children. This marriage also ended, there no property settlement as Pauline walked out and left the house and plumbing business to her ex. but Pauline’s hardest battle was trying to get the children's father to be involved in their kid’s lives because she knows how important it is for the children to have a father in their lives. Pauline was flat out trying to get $20 a week. When Senator Hanson joined parliament in 1996, the biggest issue that came across Senator’s desk was issues about family law system. She has personal experience with the family court system, as two of her sons have gone through it. She has witnessed firsthand the pain it caused them and felt that pain herself, how unfair and broken the system is especially knowing how much her sons love their children. Senator Hanson argues that the courts and both parents should prioritize what is best for the children, rather than engaging in abusive, hurtful actions or using children as pawns. Pauline believes children have a right to be with their parents. Pauline grew up with amazing male role models like her amazing father and loving brothers. She’s not anti-male but she’s not joining some me2 movement and she makes a reminder to all those mothers out there you reap what you sow, that may be being spiteful and using the kids as pawns that It might be your sons being denied their children form a grandmother one day later in life. We delved into comments made by former Parramatta family court judge David Collier, who, after 14 years on the bench, observed a significant amount of false evidence presented in domestic violence and sexual abuse cases, noting that perjury always went unaddressed. We question why charges were not laid in such instances. Our conversation also touched on the perceived influence of "woke" ideologies in parliament, particularly regarding women's rights, and how the current Child Support system can be viewed as a "cash cow." We both agree that child support payments should be managed through a receipted bank account to ensure funds are exclusively used for the child's benefit. We believe that reforming child support could lead to greater accountability. Pauline suggests that all domestic violence allegations should first be heard in a magistrate's court to determine their veracity before proceeding to family court. Furthermore, these allegations should not be admissible in family court unless proven factual. Pauline mentioned that domestic violence cases consume 75% of the Queensland Police Service's resources, leading to frustration among officers who feel the system needs to be re-evaluated. Additionally, we discussed a perceived lack of courage among many politicians, attributing it to the need to adhere to party lines. The misuse of the domestic violence system as a legal weapon, often facilitated by unaddressed perjury, was another point of concern. We reflected on the powerful display of 2,400 single boots on the lawns of Parliament, representing men and boys who have died by suicide. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 21 Guest – Tracey McMillan On our next episode, I’m joined by Tracey McMillan, CEO of Queensland Family Law Practice (QFLP), to unpack everything about the Family Court system. Tracey is a highly experienced family lawyer and mediator with over 25 years in practice. She’s frequently sought by media outlets and community organisations for her clear, practical advice on family law — always with a strong focus on the well-being of children. Tracey’s expertise spans parenting arrangements, domestic violence, divorce, and property settlements. She is known for providing plain-English advice, early risk assessments, and practical strategies to minimise conflict and cost. Through mediation and parenting coordination, she helps parents reduce disputes and protect children from ongoing conflict. She is also the founder of No Lawyers — an innovative online family law platform that helps people represent themselves and save thousands of dollars. Designed for individuals navigating separation without legal representation, No Lawyers makes it easier to negotiate property and parenting agreements and generate ready-to-lodge consent orders, all without the usual legal fees. A proud Brisbane local and the youngest of four, Tracey discovered her calling early — torn between becoming a barrister or a psychologist. After completing her Bachelor of Laws and Practical Legal Training, she was admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland. She went on to complete the Bar Practice Course — a nine-week, full-time intensive program that forms the final step in qualifying as a barrister — and was admitted to the Queensland Bar soon after. In our conversation, Tracey reflects on the dedication and resilience required to reach that point and shares how her early years in practice shaped the compassionate, outcome-focused approach she brings to her clients today. Tracey also speaks candidly about the stresses of running a law firm, the importance of maintaining boundaries, and her concept of a “third space” — a transition between work and home to prevent emotional spillover. She explains how some legal professionals unknowingly bring courtroom energy home, affecting their families, and describes her coping strategies — such as not learning clients’ children’s names to maintain professional distance. Tracey highlights the importance of law firms properly preparing cases before briefing barristers, recalling numerous instances of receiving poorly drafted affidavits. Tracey founded No Lawyers in 2020. Although still developing, the site has already attracted over 25,000 visitors. It helps people who haven’t yet entered court proceedings to negotiate, create property pools, generate offers, and prepare consent orders. One of its most innovative tools is the “abuse tone meter”, which flags and prevents the exchange of abusive messages between parties. In our discussion, we also explored key issues in family law — from the “uplift” in Keenan & Keenan (now embedded in written law) to the domestic-violence-leave provisions that allow 10 days off work without requiring evidence. We discussed why small businesses shouldn’t have to absorb this cost and how government support is needed. Tracey believes that while the current system is deeply flawed, there are solutions. Drawing on international examples, she proposed amending the Marriage Act to follow South Africa’s “communal property” approach, where couples agree on asset ownership before marriage. We closed the episode with audience-submitted questions — including a case where a judge took three years to deliver a decision. Tracey also shared details of her upcoming book, due out in December – “Divorce is F*ed: A No-Bullshit Survival Guide for Men”, offering raw insights into separation, resilience, and life beyond the courtroom. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 20 Guest – Vanessa Allen I sit down with mother of two, she’s also broken daughter who was robbed with a relationship with her father when she was taken to New Zealand when she was only three years old after she found out her father had cheated on her. She is also the founder of Men’s Emotions matter Movement advocating for men’s and fathers right the movement has plans for stages of development nationally going to male dominated industries sports schools helping empowering men and letting them know they are supported. Vanessa was Born in Perth but brought up in NZ and had a rough trot in growing up. Have been taken from her father out of spite because her mother wanted to get pay pack to her father for cheating has played a part in how she came about making her movement for men. Vanessa has done a lot of self-work to not resent her mother and advises other mother not to do the same spiteful acts as it only leaves the children with lifelong issues. Vanessa has recently got a petition over the line with parliament to reform on child support, the bias against men in the family lay system and perjury being used against false allegations which is now sitting with the attorney general. She is also currently working on the constitution and creating a ACN & ACNC for her charity. She talks about the ridiculous amount of money (180 billion) being designated to women but only 4.3 billion to men. Vanessa aims to dedicate her Charity to creating safe houses for men, including24 hour DV lines open for men. Email 28th august got an email from attorney general is currently reviewing the petition and will respond within 90 days We also pick apart the current DV bubble, and how EVERYTHING is a form of DV these days. Having banter with your partner is extinct as that can be used as DV. We address how shit is to be a man/father in this country as the reward vs risk outweighs any win for a male to happen. In this country as a man, you’ll lose your house, super and kids. We address how terrible the child support system is, and that mothers need to take responsibility finically when deciding to have a child and not to have to rely on a man if the relationships end. Vanessa mentions Karma and warns other mothers if you use your child as a pawn, you’ll have a child that will never Wholey love you as you denyied them a relationship with their father because you took something from them you didn’t need to. We conclude on how young men are taking their lives because videos of their mothers on OF getting jack hammered are being passed around on the phone and how some police officers are leaving the force because there sick of dealing with the constant false DV allegations yet still having to attend residences to serve a DVO . If you are a father struggling and would like to seek Counselling, Vannesa is a qualified counsellor offering sessions to any father that may be seeing help. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 19 Guest – Chris & Gem Ward On our upcoming episode of the Broken Fathers Podcast, I sit down with Chris, a 35-year-old father from Tasmania who works in the Federal Government. He'll be joined by his fiancée, Gem Ward, a nurse. Chris was raised by both his parents, who are still together today. He met his ex-partner in 2008 and, looking back, he recalls early signs of her questioning his every move. For example, when he helped her friend, who was too intoxicated to walk, into a cab, she accused Chris of cheating. Chris joined the Army in 2007 at 17, moving off barracks and in with his ex-partner shortly after meeting. In 2010, Chris was first deployed to Afghanistan, and then again in 2011. Chris recalls listening to other diggers on the phone during his deployments, hearing about the problems they were having back home due to the immense pressure of being away. In 2012, Chris applied for special forces. His psychological assessments identified extreme stubbornness as a character trait. Chris acknowledges that his perception of his ex enduring his deployments, led him to propose to her. In early 2015, Chris married his ex-partner. In 2016, Chris deployed to Iraq with a good friend who later took his own life. This was a wake-up call for Chris, leading to his discharge from the army. Not long after the suicide, there was an inquest into his death. In mid-2018, Chris's ex-partner became pregnant, and in February 2019, their beautiful son was born. He recalls holding his son for the first time as a life-changing moment. Not long after his then-wife returned to work, he noticed a change in her behaviour. His ex began working at an employment agency and began spending time with male work colleagues for coffee outside of work hours. Chris noticed she started getting her nails done, and then this work colleague began coming to their house to pick her up. When Chris questioned her about who he was, she simply replied, "he's just a friend." The next time he came over, his ex-brought him into the house and introduced him to their son. Soon after, she started going on late night walks and would seek to spend time socialising with these colleagues of an evening on the justification that Chris would be working one night a week as an Army reservist. Chris recounts the shocking experience of his property settlement, early in the separation, which (in hindsight) signalled his ex-partner’s intent. The Real Estate agent employed to sell the house was identified by his ex, and after signing him on, this agent refused to communicate with him, despite him being the one occupying the property. The agent would conduct inspections of the property without Chris’ knowledge, and when Chris identified missing items, he was left with no choice but to chain lock the door and sneak out of the bathroom window to leave his home. Gem opens up about her difficult upbringing in a broken home, including her mother's attempts to blackmail her against her father and making outrageous claims in court, such as stating he was a threat because he was a firefighter and knew how to light fires. She also shares her experience with a physically abusive ex and how one of Chris's most admirable traits when they met was his refusal to speak negatively about his ex. Gem's unwavering support for Chris through family court, however, inadvertently brought up her own childhood trauma. The episode delves into the family court's apparent disregard for Chris's care of Gem's children whom he cared for 12 nights per fortnight. Chris also shares a disturbing incident where his son split his head at childcare, and when he sought answers, he was shockingly informed he was no longer on the enrolment form and therefore not entitled to them. He vividly recalls a 5 PM Sunday handover where his ex-verbally abused him and threatened to send him to jail before their 2-year-old son. As the Final Hearing approached (May Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 18 Guest – Peter Ellis Tune in to today's Broken Fathers Podcast, where I sit down with Peter, a 36-year-old father from Brisbane who works in construction. Peter's story begins in Liverpool, UK, where he grew up in a hardworking council estate. He joined the British army in 2004 and left after the tragic loss of his mother in 2009. In 2011, Peter moved to Sydney with his then-partner. Six weeks later, she became pregnant. Peter honestly shares that their relationship was more of a best friendship, and cracks soon began to show. After securing his permanent residency, work became scarce in Sydney, leading Peter to work in Canberra for six days a week, a three-hour drive away, only returning to Sydney on Sundays to see his family. While Peter worked tirelessly to provide, his partner decided they should downgrade to a smaller place. During his next day off, Peter helped move everything, cleaned the old house, and then asked for a spare set of keys for the new rental before driving back to Canberra. To his shock, she refused, revealing she had only used him to move everything and that their relationship was now over. That three-hour drive back to Canberra was the longest of his life. Living in a garage in Canberra and paying $300 a week in child support, Peter continued his weekly Sunday trips to Sydney to see his daughter, but the strain was taking its toll. In 2017, he met his now-wife and eventually introduced her to his daughter. Things were going well until his ex-partner discovered his new relationship. Plans for his daughter to be a flower girl were ruined by his ex, who would whisper in the background during his phone calls with their daughter, controlling their conversations. His ex even sent threatening text messages, stating he would never see his daughter again because he was getting married. Just as Peter was getting his life on track, his new partner became pregnant. Soon after, he broke his hand at work, leading to six months off and further impacting his ability to see his daughter. Struggling with these challenges, Peter reached a breaking point and attempted to take his own life in his garage. Thankfully, his partner and in-laws found him and rushed him to the hospital. This harrowing experience became a turning point, prompting Peter to seek help, reset, and re-educate himself as his hand healed. Peter talks about fighting the DVO battle driven by fabricated allegations and also shared a poignant memory of a Christmas when his then thirteen-year-old daughter visited for seven days. Despite his excitement and detailed plans, the connection between them had unfortunately faded, which he attributes to negative influences from his ex. In closing, Peter openly discusses his battle with depression and emphasizes the importance of learning from our mistakes. He believes the court system needs to expedite its processes. While he knows rebuilding the connection with his teenage daughter will take time, he is committed to being the best version of himself, ready and waiting for when she comes back into his life. For now, Peter is focused on raising his two young boys, aged five and three. He also shared that he almost turned back on his way to record the podcast but is glad he persevered to tell his story and move forward. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 17 Guest – Adam Coleman In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adam Coleman, a 38-year-old father of four from Springfield. Adam, an operations manager, spent 10 years navigating the family court system in two separate cases. Adam, an only child, was born and raised in Liverpool, NSW. He never knew his father. After high school, he began a butcher apprenticeship but left after six months to pursue testing and tagging before settling into his career as a truck driver. Sadly, Adam’s mother passed away in 2017. In 2011, Adam met his first ex-partner at a bar. Their initial conversation included her telling him about a messy breakup and being a victim of domestic violence. Looking back, Adam recognizes this as a red flag. Soon after, they were in a relationship and welcomed their beautiful daughter in April 2011. Adam described how his world changed for the better, recalling how he would come home from long days of driving trucks, walk into his daughter's room, hold her hand, and fall asleep. More red flags appeared when Adam's friends would call him to report his partner dancing with other girls at bars. He remembers instances of her verbally attacking him at home. One day, he returned from work to find a note and her prepaid phone, stating she had left with their daughter without revealing their whereabouts. They were together for nearly three years before they split; their daughter was only a year and a half old at the time. After finally getting in touch with his ex, she returned home to gather some belongings, bringing a friend who hurled abuse at Adam on the veranda, threatening him by saying her brother-in-law was a cop and that he "would be f**ked." Soon after, two police officers arrived. The female officer was helpful and understanding towards Adam, but her colleague insisted Adam be arrested and handcuffed. Adam later discovered this male officer was sleeping with his ex. The officer was subsequently investigated for being in the area despite being based out of Blacktown Police Station. Adam spent two nights in a holding cell, which allowed his ex free rein to go through his house and take what she wanted. Adam was served with a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), only for his ex to return to his place a month later, hit him three times, and spit in his face. Adam immediately reported it to the police, but they dismissed his claims. His ex then filed a complaint, and police threatened to arrest him in front of his daughter. Adam went to the police station, where he was arrested and spent 12 weeks in prison. Upon his release, they delayed him for five hours, allowing them to call his ex and give her a heads-up so she could flee. After his release, he found out his ex and daughter had indeed fled. Adam immediately sought legal counsel. Finally, a court date was set. Adam attended, but his ex-did not. After reviewing all the submissions, the judge apologised to Adam, stating he should never have spent any time in jail. Adam gained custody of his daughter, and it's truly admirable how he has risen above the conflict with his ex-partner. He continues to offer her opportunities to spend time with their daughter, understanding the importance of both parents being involved in a child's life. In 2014, Adam met a new partner who claimed she couldn't get pregnant, yet soon after, she was expecting. Red flags quickly emerged when she expressed jealousy towards Adam's daughter, demanding she move out. Adam firmly refused, leading her to throw his engagement ring in his face. Her behaviour brought back painful memories of his first relationship, prompting him to call her stepfather. This tumultuous situation culminated in a DVO being presented 12 months after their split, which the judge ultimately dismissed as a red flag. Adam poignantly remembers a moment where he hugged and kissed his daughter, knowing it might be their last embrace for some time. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Episode 16 Guest - Nick Beaunan This week on the Broken Fathers Podcast, I sat down with Nick Beaunan, a 50-year-old father from Tweed Heads who works in IT. Nick shared his challenging 16-month journey through family court as he fought for his two children. Nick's story began with his parents' separation when he was young, leading to him being raised by his grandmother on the Sunshine Coast. Following in his parents' footsteps, both nurses, Nick began his career at Nambour Hospital at 18. Finding nursing unfulfilling and seeking adventure, he soon packed his bags and moved to Melbourne to join the Victorian Police. After completing 20 weeks at the police academy, Nick was posted to St Kilda, where he began his general duties career. He was later posted to Sunshine before becoming a detective and eventually retired as a Sergeant. Nick, who was married for 15 years. Unfortunately, his marriage began to struggle when his ex-wife was diagnosed with mental health issues. This led Nick to feel like an unwanted carer. After leaving the Victorian Police, Nick started working as a security risk advisor in Papua New Guinea. It was during this time that his relationship began to dissolve. While he was working away, Nick's ex-wife made it very difficult for him to communicate with their children. Upon returning home, a former police colleague informed Nick that his ex-wife was attempting to file an AVO against him. This colleague also mentioned that some police officers at the station had a personal vendetta against Nick, despite never having met him. Nick believes there's a lack of "brotherhood" within the force and that ex-cops, much like veterans, are often perceived as aggressive. Nick opens up about one time his ex was having an episode in a public place, and he didn’t want to give her the car keys concerned for her safety, but before he knew it 4 police officers were surrounding him with some idiot walking past calling him a woman basher. This is where the parent alienation chapter starts like most fathers, he was slapped with an AVO over fabricated allegations and had to see the lids in supervised care. At one point he kissed his kids good but knowing he wasn’t going to see them for a while. 14 months later, at the family report writer interview which is a very synthetic environment. His kids arrived, but they had been brainwashed. During this time his ex-had been breaching court orders, and his ex-having BPD had manipulated the family report writer. At one point Nick receives a phone call from child safety which gobsmacks him. The judge, seeing through the bullshit, was more concerned as to why Nick wasn’t being allowed to see the kids. In closing we address how the Police force is managing DV and how it's Impacting an individual that hasn’t done anything wrong. It seems it's Easier for them to take out an order than make a consideration around whether it’s prudent and are officers stepping in when they are not required. Nick looks back now and tells Family court is nothing but a waste of time and money. Today, Nick is thriving. He’s remarried and is a personal trainer but more exciting he runs his own business running a lie detection test. Days of the polygraph are gone; his new device measures the cognitive load through your retina which captures 92% data. This is a cracking episode you don’t want to miss. Support the show