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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-09-16 Daily Xml
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WHITE RIBBON DAY

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question regarding preparation for White Ribbon Day.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: Tuesday 25 November 2009 was the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, White Ribbon Day, which is a day for the community, and men in particular, to say no to violence against women. Can the minister tell us about White Ribbon Day activities planned for this year?

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) (15:21): In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and a white ribbon has become the symbol for that day.

The campaign is increasing in profile all the time, with more men becoming involved in the elimination of violence against women in our community. Wearing a white ribbon or wristband on or around White Ribbon Day lets others know that you have taken action to stand up against violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon is not a sign of purity or a badge of perfection. It doesn't mean that the wearer has perfect relationships. What it does mean is that the wearer believes that violence against women is unacceptable. It is a visible sign that the wearer does not support or excuse the use of violence against women.

I remind members that everyone can show their commitment to ending violence against women by wearing a white ribbon. Indeed, I am pleased to inform honourable members that some our very own colleagues are not just White Ribbon Day ambassadors, which is clearly to be commended, but they are also setting up events and forums to encourage other ambassadors to take an active role in spreading the white ribbon message. I am, of course, referring to the Hon. John Gazzola and the Hon. Ian Hunter, who recently hosted an event for ambassadors in the Old Chamber. I was pleased to attend that event, and I enjoyed hearing from the guest speakers, the former captain of Port Adelaide Football Club, Gavin Wanganeen, and Sam Ciccarello, Chief Executive Officer of the Adelaide United Football Club.

I believe that Mr Hunter and Mr Gazzola had great success in getting sporting clubs interested in White Ribbon Day activities, particularly some of the SANFL clubs. I am sure that they have something special planned for 25 November this year. I do not know whether they want to offer any hints to us—

The Hon. J.M. Gazzola: No.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —no hints?—but I am sure it is going to be very special. I would like to take this time to formally acknowledge them for their hard work and their commitment to White Ribbon Day and for their unflagging enthusiasm. Most importantly, I want to thank them as men, because White Ribbon Day is really about men saying no to violence against women, and these men, by engaging with other ambassadors and planning ambassadorial events, have shown themselves to be leaders of whom we can feel very proud.

I also acknowledge the other white ribbon ambassadors in the chamber: the Hon. Russell Wortley, the Hon. Stephen Wade, the Hon. John Dawkins, the Hon. John Darley and the Hon. Robert Brokenshire. I again acknowledge and—

The Hon. M. Parnell interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I beg your pardon—and the Hon. Mark Parnell. That was indeed an oversight; do forgive me. Again, I acknowledge and appreciate the work and efforts of all of those ambassadors; it is a very important role. I urge members who have not become White Ribbon Day ambassadors to do so, and there is plenty of information available for those who are interested.

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