1 May 2009
Leadership in reducing violence against women welcomed
The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Australian Government that it will develop a National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women in response to the Time for Action report from the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.
President of the Commission, Catherine Branson QC said, “I commend the leadership of the Australian Government for its commitment to implementing a number of the urgent recommendations in the Time for Action report, including referral of the full implementation of the Plan to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).”
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick said it was imperative that the Australian Government back their commitment to implementation of the recommendations of the report with sustained commitment and proper resourcing.
“It is critical that the implementation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children is regularly monitored to make sure it is working, and that targets and benchmarks are set to measure progress in the reduction of violence against women,” the Commissioner said.
“State and territory governments must also make a strong commitment to working collaboratively with the federal government to deliver the report’s recommendations.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma said all governments must ensure that reducing violence against women and children receives top priority attention from COAG.
“Violence against women and children is a serious and pervasive human rights problem in Australia,” Commissioner Calma said. “Rates of violence are particularly alarming for women with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.”
One in three women will experience domestic violence over their lifetime and one in five women will experience sexual violence from the age of 15.
“Violence against women and their children comes at a significant cost - to the individual and to our nation,” said Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes.
“As the Council's report has rightly identified, it is definitely time for action.”
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
