Wednesday, 1 May 2024

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:02): (501) My question today is for the minister representing the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Thirty-two women have allegedly been killed by men in the 17 weeks of this year – 32. Most of these tragic killings were allegedly committed by men known to the victims. Our communities are scared and angry. Some women are too scared to leave their homes. Others are too afraid to walk alone. What is the government doing to address this frightening and absolutely unacceptable trend in our communities?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:03): I thank Mrs Tyrrell for her question. I think we have all been both shocked and saddened by the tragic events in recent weeks and of course over many years, and I will forward your question to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence for her reply to you accordingly.

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:03): I thank the minister for her reply. It has been brought to my attention that women escaping domestic violence in cross-border communities, such as Cobram, are being lost in bureaucratic red tape. If they escape to New South Wales from Victoria or vice versa, it is confusing for victims to know who will help them. Will the minister work with cross-border communities to ensure the safety of all women escaping from violence?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:04): I thank Mrs Tyrrell for her question. I will refer it to the relevant minister accordingly.