LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON

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

GOVERNMENT FUMBLES CREATION OF ESSENTIAL INDIGENOUS FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Labor hopes the creation of an Indigenous Leaders Council to tackle family and domestic violence will mark a turning point after eight years of inaction and inattention by the Coalition Government.

The Council’s members collectively represent a wealth of experience and expertise. Labor congratulates Ms Sandra Creamer as chair of the group and all the other appointees.

However, the Government’s decision to exclude the Family Violence Protection Legal Services Forum from the group is both inexplicable and unacceptable.

The FVPLS plays an essential role in representing the interests of First Nations women.

Its exclusion from this council is just the latest in a long line of adverse actions from the Morrison Government.

During its eight years in office the Coalition has tried to defund the forum, and earlier this year excluded it from the National Plan Action Group.

Minister Ruston should explain her decision.

First Nations voices and experiences must be at the centre of our national response to violence in First Nations communities.

That is why for years, Labor has been calling for an increased focus on addressing violence towards Aboriginal women and children, and the urgent need for action.