House debates

Monday, 28 November 2016

Statements by Members

Domestic and Family Violence

4:18 pm

Photo of Sarah HendersonSarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Today, on the forecourt of Parliament House, it was my great pleasure to join with my fellow parliamentarians, including the Prime Minister and opposition leader, to link arms with the Rirratjingu people from Arnhem Land. Our joint commitment, our determination, our pledge and our plea was: 'No More'—no more family and domestic violence in Indigenous communities.' Founded by Indigenous leader Charlie King, the No More campaign is being led by elders in communities, empowering Indigenous men to recognise this is an issue for which they must be responsible. Nationally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised for family violence. In the Northern Territory, the statistics are worse.

The scourge of domestic violence affects all cultures, demographics and communities. That is why combating family violence is a national priority for the Turnbull government. Last month our government outlined a $100 million commitment, including $25 million to fund Indigenous specific initiatives under the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children

I commend Charlie King and other Indigenous leaders, such as Marcia Langton and Josephine Cashman. For more information on the No More campaign, people can look at nomore.org.au, an incredibly important initiative for our nation.