SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER
SHADOW CABINET SECRETARY
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
 

VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NEED ACTION FROM THIS GOVERNMENT NOT JUST WORDS
 

The national Women’s Safety Summit has ended but Australian women can’t afford for it to be the end of the government efforts to confront sexual, family and domestic violence. 

For the past eight years, the Commonwealth has failed to invest in what’s needed to keep women and children safe. 

It is time for the Prime Minister and his Government to step up to its responsibility to domestic and family violence victim-survivors.

There are real and tangible things the Federal Government could do for women who are experiencing or at risk of domestic violence. 

With the Australian Government controlling the migration, social security, health and NDIS and family law systems – our frontline services tell us there are countless opportunities to build better systems to identify those at risk of violence and offer support.

Labor supports calls from advocates for long-term solutions. In the short-term there are changes we require right now. These include: 

1. Invest in housing for women escaping violence;
2. Legislate 10 days paid domestic and family violence leave;
3. Deliver promised funding for legal services for victim-survivors;
4. Support women on temporary visas who are fleeing violence; and
5. Properly implement the Respect@Work report.

The Government has asked survivors, workers, advocates and experts to collectively donate thousands of their hours to this summit. They deserve more than an online webinar. 

Australian women want real leadership. They are not getting that from Scott Morrison. 

It will take more than just words – it will take action to lead a process of change. 
 
WEDNESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2021