Answers to Questions

Domestic Violence

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (21 May 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers): The Premier has advised the following:

Addressing violence against women is a priority for the State Government. During 2014 a number of significant inquiries into violence against women were commenced.

In June 2014, the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in Australia was referred to the Australian Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and the South Australian Government made a submission, outlining the strategies used in this state for responding to and preventing violence.

In October, the State Government released Taking a Stand: Responding to Domestic Violence, a whole-of-government response to the findings of the State Coroner in the inquest into the death of Zahra Abrahimzadeh.

Also in October, the Social Development Committee of the South Australian Parliament established an inquiry into the prevention of domestic and family violence.

The committee will commence hearing oral submissions in early 2015 and we await the findings for the committee with interest. At this stage there are no plans for a royal commission.