Thursday, 10 March 2022

March 4 Justice

Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (10:14): On 27 February I joined with victim-survivors and supporters for a society free from violence at the March 4 Justice rally in Albury-Wodonga. A few days earlier Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party lodged our submission in response to the federal draft national plan to end violence against women and children. Our vision is one of fair, just and safe communities. In our submission we noted that any plan can only be as good as the actions that follow. Our state and national response to violence must be victim centred, provide appropriate interventions to address the cause of violence and ensure offenders are held to account for their actions. The process of challenging and changing societal norms which reinforce violent behaviours must be reflected by changes in our public institutions, including the response to and support of victim-survivors. We advocate for greater recognition and understanding of the seriousness of conduct offences, a strong response to the ever-increasing use of technology to perpetrate abuse and the opportunities technology presents to keep perpetrators accountable. We should elevate the rights and voices of children, older persons and those with a disability. I pay tribute to the inspiring speakers at the March 4 Justice, including Pat Catteo, Jen Tate, Liz Marmo, Tammy Campbell and Judy Langridge for standing strong against violence.