Draft laws to prevent abusive partners from cross-examining their alleged victims in court have passed the first hurdle.
The legislation was given the green light in federal parliament's lower house on Tuesday and is expected to clear the Senate with Labor's support.
The bill bans people who have been accused of violence against their partners from cross-examining them, making it a requirement for them to have a lawyer to instead conduct the questioning.
Screens and video links can also be used in court to protect alleged victims.
Labor's attempt to tie Legal Aid funding to the draft laws was voted down on Tuesday, 75 to 68.
Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus told parliament while debating the bill on Monday there was "nothing left in the tank" at Legal Aid offices around the country.
He said lawyers were concerned a lack of funding would prevent the ban from working effectively.
However, Liberal MP Jason Falinski said the government is working with Legal Aid to assess resourcing issues and ensure adequate funding is available.
"We can ensure the trauma does not continue and victims can seek appropriate services," Mr Falinski told parliament.
Independent Cathy McGowan shared the story of a woman known as Eleanor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was cross-examined by a former abusive partner.
"'It was a massive slap in the face, how could they give my rapist his power back over me?'" Ms McGowan read from Eleanor's letter.
The legislation won't commence until nine months after being rubber stamped, giving courts time to adjust their procedures and for parties to find legal representation.
