Ewen Jones (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That we in this country actually have to have a White Ribbon Day should appal every man in this country. That we have the tragic victim of domestic violence, Rosie Batty, as our Australian of the Year should appal every man in this country. All men in this country need to acknowledge that we have a problem here. The sad part is that the default position for all of us on domestic violence is that we think that it is the dregs of society who beat their wives and not us—but that is not so. It is men like us, here in this place, men in suits, who project an imagine of professionalism who are going home and inflicting extreme physical and mental violence on our partners and our children.

I was saddened when I had to go and meet with Anne Lewis, the director of the North Queensland Women's Legal Service in Townsville, to advise her that my government had granted the service an additional $1.05 million over three years to assist with the work that they are doing to help women deal with domestic violence—in my community! I wish it was not so. I will do what I can to change attitudes and behaviour.

We, the men in this country, must set an example. We simply must. Enough is enough.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It being 2 pm, in accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded. I call the Prime Minister on indulgence.