A Government pledge to offer mediation to parents involved in custody or access disputes should come as welcome news for the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

Earlier this week, the organisation’s founder, Sheelagh Cooper, reflected that the previous Throne Speech had included a commitment to make more mediation available.

“We believe mediation is cheaper and more effective, because the parties involved are more likely to live up to the agreement if it’s something they have forged together, rather than something that’s imposed by the courts,” she said.

The Coalition has provided mediation services for 15 years, she said — the vast majority of it referred by the courts. In most cases, the services have been given for free because the couples couldn’t afford to pay.

The Coalition is to offer its 15th annual mediation course, but Ms Cooper said the organisation has yet to see a service arrangement advanced by Government.

However, yesterday’s Throne Speech included a promise to introduce the Children Amendment Act 2014, which would require the courts to offer mediation — so that parents who have separated remain involved in their children’s welfare.

Government promised to help parents reach “amicable agreements” before the courts issued co-parenting orders, and said a Co-Parenting Mediation Council would be established to oversee the initiative.