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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-06-22 Daily Xml
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DON'T CROSS THE LINE

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief ministerial statement about the Don't Cross the Line website.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Members will be aware that on 14 October 2009 the Hon. Stephen Wade MLC asked me a question about whether the information used in the Don't Cross the Line website campaign was robust and effective. At that time, I acknowledged that there was research and data from a wide range of reputable sources and noted that there could be different interpretations of such data. I reported to the chamber that I was advised that data contained on the website was sound.

As members will know, Don't Cross the Line is a broad community education campaign to raise awareness of respectful relationships and provides information through a variety of media, including TV, radio ads and a website. I was advised that the website included some information and data derived from a number of reputable sources, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Criminology and the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

However, as a result of continuing concerns by some individuals regarding the information on the website, the Office for Women asked the Office of Crime Statistics and Research in the Attorney-General's Department to review all the data on the website, including source documents. As a result of this, it was identified that there were some contextual and terminology concerns, as well as some transcribing errors which I am advised have now been rectified.

In order that there can be no doubt about the parliamentary record, and for the sake of clarity and transparency, I inform the chamber today that changes to the website have been undertaken. I also wish to inform the chamber that the state Ombudsman is conducting an investigation in response to a complaint regarding information that was contained on the website. However, I am advised that the Ombudsman's investigation is not yet complete. Obviously, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters that are still before the Ombudsman.

In closing, it is important that we do not forget that the underlying aim of the campaign is to educate young men and women about respectful relationships and about the difference between acceptable and abusive behaviour.

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