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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-10-15 Daily Xml
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Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (15:03): My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney-General inform the council about the new consultation tool launched by the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for her question and her interest in this area. We are proud to have established the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence led by Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja. As the honourable member has noted, the commission recently established an online consultation tool, known as the Share With Us survey. The survey is an important opportunity for all South Australians to contribute to the royal commission, and launched very recently on Tuesday 8 October.

Share With Us is an anonymous survey designed to gather insights, experiences and advice from anyone who has interacted with the domestic, family or sexual violence sectors. Whether they are victim survivors, individuals currently experiencing violence, those supporting others, or people working or volunteering in the sector, the royal commission is keen to hear from all voices.

The Share With Us survey is an initiative as part of the commissioner's purpose to gather advice, suggestions and insights from a wide range of stakeholders including survivors, sector representatives, experts, community groups and the broader public. The royal commission's focus is not only on understanding how our systems are dealing with domestic, family and sexual violence but also on identifying and addressing any gaps in these systems. The insights gathered through the Share With Us tool will help develop key focus areas for the upcoming public hearings and shape the final recommendations, which are due next year.

Participation in the Share With Us survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. The survey does not ask for names, contact details or any information that could identify individuals. Only a postcode is requested, and even that is optional. Respondents are encouraged to share only what they are comfortable with and are assured that their privacy is fully protected. Additionally, if participants need support during the process a list of trusted services and resources is available on the commission's website.

The Share With Us survey can be accessed through the royal commission's website or via a QR code displayed on posters, newsletters and social media. The tool has been designed to accommodate different forms of expression. When completing the survey, participants are able to choose between answering a series of questions, writing a response or uploading an audio message. To ensure the widest possible access for the community, the Share With Us tool has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and additional languages will continue to be added to support communities across our state.

For those without internet access, arrangements have been made to ensure participation is still possible. Public libraries, the Women's Information Service centre on Grenfell Street, and other support services around the state are equipped to assist anyone who is unable to complete the survey on their own. It is important to note that the Share With Us tool is not suitable for seeking immediate help. If anyone is in urgent need they should contact emergency and support services directly.

The survey is a way to capture the lived experiences and suggestions of those who wish to shape the future of domestic, family and sexual violence response systems. The stories can often reveal very specific challenges, barriers to accessing help, and the strengths or weaknesses of existing support systems. For many, being part of the survey means that their voices will be heard in the policymaking process. The most affected by systemic issues are often overlooked or marginalised, but this survey provides a way for those experiences to reach decision-makers. This is about creating a safer South Australia for all.

I encourage anyone with experience or knowledge of the domestic, family or sexual violence systems in our state to contribute to this vital consultation before the survey closes on 10 December 2024. The royal commission's work will be shaped by these voices, ensuring its final recommendations reflect the real needs and experiences of the community. I commend the ongoing work of the royal commission and encourage the community to share their experiences.

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