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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-11-28 Daily Xml
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Domestic and Family Violence

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (15:21): My question is to the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Does the minister support calls for a royal commission into domestic and family violence? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr TEAGUE: Advocates, including Rosie Batty, Embolden alliance and all their industry members, Zahra Foundation, Catherine House, OARS, Working Women's Centre and victim survivors, among others, on Friday called for urgent action and a commitment from the government for a South Australian royal commission into domestic and family violence.

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:22): Thank you to the shadow minister for the question. Can I just say again how devastated I am and how devastated our community is about the absolutely horrific killing of four women in the space of just one week. It is absolutely horrific. Again, I offer my love and my condolences to all who mourn them.

I also, in saying that, absolutely acknowledge the domestic violence sector. It's a sector that I have been proud to stand with, literally for decades. I know how incredibly hard they work and how much they approach all that they do with compassion and with deep commitment to supporting and empowering women and also how much they focus on trying to shift the inequality that we know precipitates disrespect and violence towards women. What I also know is that moments like this are particularly difficult for them as they continue to go about that tireless work to make a difference in the lives of women experiencing violence. It is a really, really difficult time for them, and I want to acknowledge each of them.

I also acknowledge that the shadow minister joined me not only at the event that was held on Friday but also the rally that was held by Rotary, Zonta and BPW on Saturday. I mention that particular event because what was really important about it, as are all of the events around DV prevention, is that it was a group of people that I stood with and that I walked with, many of whom said to me this was their first time participating in this type of public action. That makes me hopeful about the changes that we can make.

As I just spoke about in my ministerial statement, whilst as a government we are undertaking numerous measures to help with the prevention and eradication of violence against women, we will of course consider what else we can do in the short, medium and long term. As the Deputy Premier has just outlined, as we always do, as I always have, I will consider suggestions from the sector about particular ways forward. I will consider their suggestions with the seriousness that those suggestions deserve.

In relation to their proposal for a royal commission, as the Deputy Premier just said, of course we will consider that proposal. We will also consider other ways forward, other ways forward that see us in the short and medium term continuing to take action focused on the prevention of violence against women. I do appreciate the shadow minister's interest through this question, and I reiterate what the Deputy Premier said, and that is that we will consider this request from the sector. Again, I thank the sector, and I will continue to stand with them and walk alongside them as I always have done.

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