Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I will begin by restating the oath that I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men's violence against women. This Friday is White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Eliminating chronic issues of domestic violence speaks to who we are—a community and a country that espouses mutual respect and dignity—and that is why I am proud to support White Ribbon Day by particularly speaking out about these issues.

I first started working with the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Liz Broderick, during my time as Australia's Human Rights Commissioner, and it was both an honour and a privilege to be able to do so because these are the issues where we must shine a bright light into dark places in our society so that we create a sense of safety for all people. That is the reality of the human experience.

Twenty-seven years ago, the University of Montreal witnessed a tragedy where a male student slaughtered 14 of his fellow female students. In the wake of that event, a group of men in Toronto decided to speak out and establish a male-led movement known as White Ribbon, which now represents an international effort of men, young and old, working together to eliminate violence against women. Their minor but passionate plea for mutual respect is now echoed across the world in almost 60 countries. And of course, as an Australian, I am proud to say that we are part of that global effort.

There are three key statistics concerning violence against women that highlight the unnerving ubiquity of this issue. One in three women has experienced violence at the hands of men; one in three women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them; and one in four children is exposed to some form of domestic violence. But this is not just a matter of statistics; it is about human lives that are impacted—the women and families whose aspirations were sabotaged by those who were seemingly closest to them. Sadly, many Australians know of someone who has endured the tragic consequences of violence against women.

A member of the Goldstein community, Jodie Hickey, saw the tragedy of domestic violence firsthand. In 2000 her best friend, Mary, was killed by her husband, who is now on parole and confined to his home state of Queensland. On the first anniversary of Mary's death, Jodie came together with friends to raise a glass in honour of her memory. Since then, Jodie's efforts to raise awareness of domestic violence have gained momentum. With each year, raffle prizes and stalls have been added, turning the occasion into a far-reaching event in support of White Ribbon Day, and this year she is doing so through a sold-out high tea that will mark the 16th anniversary of Mary's death. With increased numbers and excitement, Jodie is helping to build on last year's efforts to build and honour the continuing memory, but also to turn tragedy into an opportunity for hope and bringing the community together. So far they have raised $6,000 for the White Ribbon cause. Helped by her two elder sons, Jodie's efforts in championing the fight against violence against women are truly inspiring. She is a tireless advocate for a society that respects women, and I look forward to joining Jodie this Sunday for part of her activities, because violence against women is a man's issue.

Through education, raising awareness and political advocacy, we can work together to effect change and to improve attitudes for the good. But it takes men, like those who participate in White Ribbon, to stand up and speak out about these horrific crimes against women and to recognise that we are all part of a solution—both in terms of raising visibility, and in coming together to take collective action to improve the culture within our society so that people can feel safe and secure no matter where they are. That is the task before us—to build a future that is free from violence and abuse.

I am particularly proud of Jodie's efforts in my community, because she is somebody who has demonstrated—again, as one of the wonderful women of Goldstein—that she is able to bring people together to effect positive change. It is through turning these tragedies into moments of opportunity to improve our country and our culture that our community does so much good and represents a model that can be amplified and have resonance and impact across our great country. And so, to Jodie and to all of the people who are supporting and participating in White Ribbon events this Friday as well as the event on Sunday, and to everybody in Goldstein, we say, 'Thank you.'

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