Family violence
Ryan SMITH (Warrandyte) (16:07): Today I would like to bring to the house’s attention a very important issue within my electorate. A local constituent fleeing a domestic violence situation has now been bouncing around various government agencies for close to 12 months and is now with Refuge Victoria awaiting permanent housing. For the protection of my constituent I cannot reveal her name, but I have raised her issue now with seven separate ministers, with her first contact being to her then local member, who personally guaranteed me near the conclusion of the last Parliament that there would be further action. But since then nothing has eventuated. Recently I have written to the new portfolio ministers – the Minister for Housing, the Minister for Women and the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence – and again have not received a response from any minister which has led to a satisfactory outcome. It is startling that a government that brags about its commitment to fairness is actively ignoring people who are in crisis. I raised this matter in the house last year with no result. I am hoping there is more compassion for this woman and her daughter this time around. If any one of these ministers, who have all had information from me sent to them, would like further information in order to help her, please feel free to speak to me directly, and let us work together to achieve the right outcome for this woman and her daughter.