Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week Labor called for a national crisis summit on family violence. Of course, along with a national summit, help at the grassroots always matters to keeping women safe at home and supported in our legal system. On average, victims of family violence move three times—three upheavals, starting again without your support network of friends and family, with your self-confidence at its lowest ebb.

Finding work offers women the opportunity to rebuild their confidence and their economic independence after this trauma. Fitted for Work is a small not-for-profit that helps survivors of family violence prepare for a new start. It empowers women through building skills and confidence through interview training, a transition to work program and a free business-clothes outfitting service.

It is something that many of us take for granted, but having a new outfit for a job interview can make all the difference. A remarkable 75 per cent of women who visit Fitted for Work are employed within three months. Fitted for Work relies on donations and has a team of dedicated, humble volunteers. On 10 March, Tuxedo Tuesday, we can all help their work. I encourage everyone to sponsor or join Team Shorten by wearing tuxedo like attire on 10 March and donating online. For every $110 that we raise we can empower another vulnerable woman. Every dollar counts, so please give generously.