Ms BADGER question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
It is thanks to the courage of victims/survivors and advocates that the gendered and family violence epidemic has been put squarely in the spotlight. This is a national emergency, and it requires a response from all levels of government. The Greens acknowledge the work that your government has done to date, but I am sure we can all agree that there is much more to be done. This is an issue that goes beyond politics and by putting differences aside, we can work collaboratively in this place to deliver meaningful, lasting change. That is why the Greens proposed establishing a cross-parliamentary working group on the prevention of family violence. Previously, a similar collaborative approach was established by prior Liberal premier, Will Hodgman, and we were pleased to see the media reports that you were open to this idea. Will you today commit to collaborating with members from across this parliament to establish such a working group?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank Ms Badger for her question and congratulate her on her election to the House of Assembly. Thank you for raising this matter publicly. At the time I did say, and I still believe, that we are open to an inquiry or whatever the parliament decides about the way forward. This is a new parliament that is about working together for the greater good. I see the greater good being further work regarding gendered violence, as you have termed it. Eliminating family and sexual violence is of the highest priority, I am sure, for every single person in this place.
I have participated in National Cabinet discussions in recent weeks where investment has been forthcoming in this area, and every state and territory government, and indeed, the national government, are committed to doing whatever we possibly can in terms of ending gendered violence. The data I am aware of about the number of murders, the violence across the nation with this respective matter is utterly horrific, and it ensures that we all work together collaboratively to stamp this out however possible. Our continued focus on the eradication of family violence will not falter. I am encouraged that the people within this Chamber, including yourself, Ms Badger, are equally determined when it comes to working collaboratively to ensure that all voices are heard.
There are several House of Assembly standing committees on Government Administration A and B proposed for the new term of parliament. I encourage members of those committees to invest their time in matters you have raised before. The parliament will decide that and are open not only to suggestions of a committee, as you put forward, but to working together to support that to ensure we have the right terms of reference to get the desired outcome.
