Members statements
Sexual assault survivors
David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (09:35): Last week Malka Leifer was sentenced to 15 years in prison. She cannot hurt innocent children anymore. This verdict marks the end of a deeply painful and traumatic saga that serves as a sobering reminder of the work we need to keep doing to keep our children safe. Most importantly this is about justice for Dassi, Elly and Nicole and all survivors, and hopefully this will bring them the closure and healing that they so desperately deserve. We must acknowledge the difficult truth: the school system utterly failed these women, who were innocent, vulnerable children when these horrendous crimes were committed against them. In the years since they have waited and fought for justice, and finally this has been served for them. Also we must acknowledge the bravery of these women and all the survivors at this time. I want to put on record the support that former Premier Ted Baillieu has given Dassi, Elly and Nicole all the way through this. We must all hold our heads up high and stand in solidarity with Dassi, Nicole and Elly and all survivors of abuse. After years of trauma, the time for healing and closure has finally come.