Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:17): (1526) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence in the other place. The action I seek is for the minister to visit Ballarat and provide my community with an update on the important work supported by the Allan Labor government to prevent gendered violence and disrespect towards women and girls before it begins. Family violence affects every part of our state. It occurs in metropolitan Melbourne, in the suburbs, in regional centres, in country towns and in rural communities across Victoria. My own community knows this too well. The violent events that occurred in early 2024 deeply impacted Ballarat. The murders of Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire in Sebastopol in my electorate and the alleged murder of Samantha Murphy shocked us all. The community’s grief was palpable, and our anger was undeniable. We sent out a clear message that violence against women must stop.

In response, the Premier came to Ballarat to announce $9.8 million over four years to deliver a nation-leading saturation model to prevent gendered violence in my community. Respect Ballarat represents a whole-of-community approach to building a city where everyone is respected, safe and free from violence. Co-designed with representatives from local organisations, Respect Ballarat will support initiatives in schools, sporting clubs, early childhood settings, workplaces and new parent programs to promote respect and equality. The four-year program brings together sports clubs, schools, emergency services, councils, health providers, community organisations and workplaces in a coordinated effort to prevent family and gendered violence. We will have a strong focus on engaging men, children and young people, new parents, and emerging leaders, building a network of community advocates who can help shift attitudes that drive violence. Respect Ballarat forms part of the government’s $92.8 million strengthening women’s safety package, which supports prevention, stronger justice responses and improved support for victim-survivors. I hope to welcome the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence to Ballarat and share with my community how Respect Ballarat is driving the change needed to prevent gendered violence.