Page 3447 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 25 November 1992
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This paper will be released for public comment shortly and I look forward to considering the issues this paper will raise in the context of addressing the implementation of the objectives of the national strategy.
Development of an integrated crime prevention strategy is also under way in the Attorney-General's Department. I understand that this strategy is being developed in consultation with the Australian Federal Police and that initiatives to prevent and reduce violence against women will be given priority consideration. The emphasis of this strategy will be on ensuring the cooperation of and coordination between relevant government and non-government agencies in dealing with violence in the ACT.
Another particular priority of the Government is an examination of the adequacy of ACT sexual assault laws in protecting women and children and a review of the services which are available to women and children in need. Naturally, I would anticipate that any policy initiatives the Government decides to make following this investigation would be in accordance with the directions of the national strategy. These actions indicate that the ACT has already taken or is in the process of taking significant steps towards addressing levels of violence again women in our community.
What will now be important in considering how best to give effect to the directions of the national strategy will be a period of extensive consultation involving both the ACT community and ACT government agencies. I shall certainly be giving a high priority to providing opportunities for meaningful community consultation. I believe that my Women's Consultative Council would be an appropriate focus for such community consultation in the ACT, in conjunction with the community representative on the national committee. It should also be noted that the work of the National Committee on Violence Against Women will continue to provide guidance to governments in addressing the strategy and to monitor the progress of its implementation.
Madam Speaker, the release of the national strategy marks a significant stage in our recognition as a society that violence against women cannot and must not continue. I hope that this document will act as a turning point for all governments to work together in creating an environment which allows women to live in safety and in dignity.
Debate (on motion by Ms Szuty) adjourned.
PAPERS
MR BERRY (Deputy Chief Minister): For the information of members, I present the following papers:
Environment, Land and Planning - Department - Financial statements, including the Auditor-General's report, for 1991-92.
Occupational Health and Safety Act - Occupational Health and Safety Council - Report for 1991-92.
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