Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to strongly support this motion. I have been a proud White Ribbon ambassador for many years now, as have been many others in this place. This is an organisation that raises awareness about the role that men must absolutely play in stopping domestic violence, and, indeed, all forms of violence against women. I cannot stress enough how important it is for men to take a much more active role in this national campaign, and, in doing so, fight this scourge on a daily basis.

The statistics tell us a very grim story. We heard some of the stats earlier. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone they know. One in five women have experience harassment within the workplace. Over a 12-month period, on average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. These are unacceptable figures. These women are someone's mother, daughter or sister. This is how the statistics are generally reported. It is very unfortunate, dreadful and terrible, and we should do all we can to turn those statistics around so they give us a figure of zero. That should be our aim.

But, if we express these statistics differently, we see that this is very much a problem that is caused by men. It is men perpetrating these horrendous acts. One in three men have perpetrated physical and/or sexual violence against a woman they know. One in five men have harassed a woman within the workplace. Over 12 months, on average, every week a man kills his current or former partner. These men, again, are someone's father, brother or son. This is an unacceptable situation.

We all have an obligation to act and speak out, especially us blokes. It is absolutely important that, when we see language being used that is derogatory towards women or when we see an unacceptable situation, we call it for what it is and not just bow our heads and basically act as if nothing is happening. It is unacceptable, and it is us blokes that can tell other blokes that this sort of behaviour is not on.

This is why I was so pleased recently that the National Retail Association has supported a push to include an entitlement of 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave as part of the modern award structure. In doing so, the National Retail Association has demonstrated courage and leadership. It has broken ranks with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Retailers Association, who are all opposing the claim for paid domestic violence leave. The association's stand has gained international attention, being reported all around the world as a positive thing, and I join those sincerely commending the National Retail Association's strong and proactive stand on this issue.

The retail industry is the largest employer of young people in the country and one of the largest employers of women in the country. Women comprise 56 per cent of the retail trade workforce, and, as such, the highest proportion of victims—women aged between 18 and 24—are likely to be working in those retail industries. That is why this move by the National Retail Association is so important. In fact, Family violence and the Australian retail industry, a report prepared for the National Retail Association, revealed that 45,000 women, or almost seven per cent of the retail workforce, experienced some form of domestic violence during the 2014-15 period. That is a huge number.

Of course, paid domestic violence leave is not going to solve this huge social problem overnight. However, it is an important step and an important part of the solution. ACTU president Ged Kearney was quoted in the media as saying:

As we come to grips with the enormity of this issue we now realise employment is the biggest defining factor in whether a person stays, leaves or returns to a violent relationship …

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