The family law courts have emerged as the biggest legal winner from the federal budget, with an extra $88 million to expand a program that has been hailed as a “game-changer” in efforts to stem family violence.

After a successful trial in three states, the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFC) said the Lighthouse Project would now be offered in all 15 family law registries as part of the government’s “National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children”.