Premier Will Hodgman acknowledged the cross-party cooperation that enabled the Family Violence Reforms Bill 2016’s passage through the House of Assembly.

“There’s been a very collaborative effort, and a lot of good will,” he said.

Mr Hodgman outlined the amendments proposed in the bill, which aimed to offer further protections to victims of family violence.

Among them was the provision of better court services to victims of family violence, allowing for victims to give evidence in court via audio-visual means, so as not to be forced to face their abuser in person. 

Also proposed was a revision to the Police Offences Act 1935,  which would impose a prison sentence of up to two years on any person who knowingly assaulted a pregnant woman.

Furthermore, the bill proposed to better enable victims to access information regarding their abuser’s progress through, and release from, the prison system.

Deputy Opposition Leader Michelle O’Byrne said any legislation that provided for increased protection of victims of family violence was to be “applauded”.

But she did express concerns that recent incorrect releases of prisoners in Tasmania may negate the provision of greater access to information regarding the release from prison of family violence perpetrators.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the bill introduced a number of “important” reforms.

She said gender inequality was the root cause of family violence.

“If … women and girls are made not only to know and believe that they’re … equal in every way, if men and boys understand ... the importance of the equal treatment of all people, then we’ll go a long way to making our community a lot safer for women and girls,” Ms O’Connor said.

The Premier concurred.

“We’ve got a far greater, entrenched issue that we need to address,” he said.

In 2015, the Hodgman government launched their Safe Homes, Safe Families: Family Violence Action Plan, a so-called whole-of-government plan to address the problem of family violence, for which $26 million in funding has been pledged.

If you or someone you know has been affected by family violence, contact the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.