Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (14:55): (932) My question is for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, and I ask: why is the Allan Labor government closing the Orange Door in Benalla during a family violence epidemic and during the 16 days of activism? Last week we were told no Orange Door facilities would close due to Labor’s financial mismanagement, and yet here we are. This week we have seen the closure of the Benalla community services hub, a crucial central location for 12 health and community agencies, including the Orange Door, Beyond Housing and the Centre Against Violence. These agencies provide outreach and support for those experiencing family violence in the region, and the closure of the hub will leave people in vulnerable and dangerous positions. This is a region with a rate of family violence that is 71 per cent higher than the state average. Let that sink in. It is completely unacceptable for the closure of this facility to happen, all while family violence is so prevalent in our community. The fact it happened during the 16 days of activism is indefensible. If this government was truly committed to managing the devastating impact of family violence in our regions – (Time expired)