Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton today announced that, if elected in March 2027, he will move for a full parliamentary inquiry into the alarming number of underage girls subjected to suspected forced marriages in New South Wales.
New data reported by The Sunday Telegraph reveals that 117 reports of underage forced marriage have been made to authorities in NSW since 2018-19, including 14 children in the past financial year alone. Nationally, the Australian Federal Police recorded 118 reports of forced marriage in 2024-25.
“Almost 120 reports in NSW alone – yet just two convictions nationwide since forced marriage was outlawed in 2013. Something is badly wrong,” Mr Shelton said.
“If elected, I will move for a parliamentary inquiry to investigate why so many children are being subjected to suspected forced marriages, why there have been virtually no prosecutions, and whether so-called ‘unofficial’ religious ceremonies are being used to evade Australian law.”
Reports indicate some ceremonies are allegedly conducted in suburban backyards by Islamic clerics and not legally registered, making detection and enforcement difficult.
“No religious cleric should be officiating at a ceremony that binds an underage girl to a potential paedophile,” Mr Shelton said.
“It should be a specific criminal offence to officiate at or facilitate any marriage involving a minor. Anyone on a temporary or permanent visa who is involved in organising, officiating or facilitating such a ceremony should face immediate visa cancellation and deportation.”
Mr Shelton said religious leaders have a responsibility to make clear to their congregations that practices involving child marriage are unlawful and unacceptable in Australia.
“Whatever the cultural or historical precedent, Australia is a Judeo-Christian nation governed by the rule of law. There can be no tolerance for child marriage or for adults preying on vulnerable girls.”
Family First will also advocate for a review of Australia’s marriage laws, including making first cousin marriage illegal.
“Marriage should protect women and children, not expose them to coercion, exploitation or abuse,” Mr Shelton said.
“Family First will always stand for the protection of vulnerable girls and the upholding of Australian law.”
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