Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Family violence

Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (19:20): (590) My adjournment is to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, and the action I seek is for her to join me in a visit to several very important organisations in my electorate. A mountain of work is being done by these organisations to reduce the incidence of family violence and to assist victims. There is nothing more important than a safe place to call home, and our government has led the way. Safe, accessible and culturally appropriate emergency accommodation is so important, and it was great to visit a new facility in the electorate with the former minister last year. I thank Safe Steps and the many organisations and dedicated workers for their tireless efforts to help people heal and rebuild their lives and for their compassion and commitment to empowering survivors.

Unfortunately we have high rates of family violence in Broadmeadows, and navigating where to get help and access services can be really tricky, especially if you have English as a second language or have a disability. Victoria’s Orange Doors were established across the state to serve as one-stop shop hubs where people can arrive and get the different sorts of help they need in one place. You tell your story just once, and support services work together to see how you can be helped to rebuild your life. Information is safely shared and risk is managed, and it all takes place in a secure, welcoming, child-friendly facility where safety is paramount. I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Orange Door in Broadmeadows in 2022, and I invite the minister to meet the hardworking and compassionate team of workers there. I also invite the minister to the Northern Community Legal Centre so I can introduce her to the amazing Jenni Smith and her incredible team of dedicated lawyers and advocates. Their unwavering commitment to justice and fairness has made them an invaluable resource for many facing family violence, elder abuse or other legal challenges.

Working at the other end of the spectrum, gender equality and prevention of family violence, I would love the minister to visit Banksia Gardens Community Services with me, another incredible local organisation that does so much to uplift our community. Ten years ago Banksia set up the Good People Act Now program, and Georgia and the team do a fabulous job in their efforts to promote gender equity and prevent family violence. Their commitment to training young people as advocates for change and as active bystanders is commendable. It empowers individuals to make a positive difference in their communities. I was so proud to have Georgia as my guest at Parliament House last sitting week for International Women’s Day. It was a great opportunity to introduce her to many ministers, who got to hear about the great work the GPAN team have done and their commitment to making a difference.

As she is the Minister for Employment I would also like to invite the minister to one of our numerous local social enterprises. These enterprises not only offer the dignity of work and opportunities for training but also serve excellent coffee.