Page 1910 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2022
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In 2021 we saw the previous federal government commit to what it called “a budget for women”. Despite the praise that the government tried to lay on itself for expanding its vocabulary to consider the word “woman”, this budget was a failure from the start. We can see in stark contrast the approach that the ACT government has taken in listening to and working with survivors of abuse to achieve better outcomes.
The federal government’s response last year entrenched responsive action as the primary approach from the national government. It reflected a long tradition of underfunding the work to change abusive behaviour systemically. Now that we have a change in federal government, and the most diverse federal cabinet in our nation’s history, I look forward to seeing systemic reforms and funding to end sexual violence.
This will include the full implementation of the safe at work report undertaken by the Human Rights Commissioner, Kate Jenkins. Ensuring safety and accountability for parliamentary staffers is an important area of reform, and one that is well within the purview of every employer in this chamber.
This report has taken an approach to recommend that the ACT government continually consult with survivors of sexual violence in the implementation of reactive and preventive policy approaches. Accordingly, the report has outlined the importance of frontloading the voices of the community in addressing the problems faced by the community, specifically those victim-survivors of sexual violence. This is an approach that I hope to see reflected through continued government responses to other systemic social issues.
Of course, none of this matters unless we ensure that these programs and the facilitation of this change is well funded by the ACT government. I acknowledge an announcement that has just landed in my inbox on that question. Instead of spruiking financial frugality in the midst of a cost of living crisis, we must consider the social return on our investment in these life-saving programs.
Policy plans are meaningless in the face of financial austerity. This is recognised by numerous community organisations as being crucial to the legitimate intentions of any policies adopted by any government. I note that budget time is approaching, and I look forward to seeing even more of what the government has in mind to continue to address this issue systemically and effectively.
In closing, I want to acknowledge all of those people across the chamber and across all three parties that have contributed. The minister made reference to the Leader of the Opposition’s bill on stealthing, Dr Paterson’s bill on reforming consent laws and the work that the Attorney-General is leading.
I want to acknowledge and put on record that while all of us have contributed in some way or another, systemic, long-lasting law reform, government reform and systemic reform do require a leader, and I want to acknowledge in this place that that leader is Minister Berry. I have never questioned Minister Berry’s drive and personal commitment to this area of public policy. That is reflected in the government’s response to the recommendations and in the government’s announcement today of
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