In homes across Australia today, women are experiencing domestic violence.
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That may take the form of emotional, financial, physical or even coercive behaviour, but whatever the method, it needs to stop.
That's not to say that men are not also victims of domestic violence, but ABS data shows one in six women experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner, compared to one in 16 men.
Over recent weeks, the plight of women in our community has been further highlighted following Brittany Higgins' revelations. It takes courage to speak out, and I commend Brittany, and others, such as Australian of the Year Grace Tame, for doing so.
The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children 2010-2022 supports women's safety in their homes, communities, workplaces and online.
Introduced with bi-partisan support, more than $1 billion has been committed to support women and children facing domestic, family and sexual violence since 2013.
Last year, this National Plan was enhanced by the COVID domestic violence package, which supported specialist frontline services, safe housing and crisis accommodation, and enhanced community legal support for domestic violence victims.
More recently the latest phase of the Stop It At The Start advertising campaign commenced, showing that when we excuse disrespect, it can grow into violence. Not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but we do know all violence starts with disrespectful behaviour.
Since implementing the National Action Plan in 2010, we have seen record reports of violence towards women.
Widespread promotion put a spotlight on the issue and rather than incidents decreasing, as hoped, I believe the increase is due to survivors being more aware of how to report such violence, that it is safe to report, and that help is available.
Violence is not okay. Whether that is in the home, in a social or sporting setting, or in the workplace. As a community we are all responsible for calling out disrespectful, hateful and dangerous behaviours.
Brittany's story has drawn attention to the so-called 'Canberra Bubble', and the workplace culture within Parliament House.
As a senator, this is my workplace too. Although a senator for just two years, my experience in Parliament House dates back to 2002, initially on a fly-in fly-out basis from Tasmania, and later as an adviser within ministerial offices, working full time.
Terrible stories have been shared in recent weeks by some who have worked, or may still work, in Parliament House - staffers, media, lobbyists and politicians - but it is the disgusting actions of just a few that reflects so poorly on everyone else.
My experience in Parliament House does not match what has been reported. On any given day, there are 2500-5000 people working in the building and it is not fair to judge us all by such poor behaviour.
Some of the revelations are abhorrent and have, quite rightly, been condemned by all sides of parliament. It is imperative that we take action to ensure the safety of everyone in the building, including members and their staff. To achieve this, the Prime Minister acted promptly and put in place several investigations, including a review by Commissioner Kate Jenkins into workplace culture.
The Prime Minister again took the lead this week by further enhancing ministerial responsibilities to include specific portfolios in support of Australian women. These are: Women's Safety and Women's Economic Security, for which Senators Ruston and Hume have responsibility.
They join Senators Payne and Stoker as Minister and Assistant Minister for Women; and Sussan Ley who has responsibility for Minister for Women duties in the House of Representatives.
The Cabinet focus, Treasury and Social Services ministry appointments, and the establishment of the Women's Economic Security Statement in 2018, puts supporting women firmly at the centre of Morrison government policy.
With the conversation underway, cultural change will happen. But this situation is not limited to Parliament House. I urge all workplaces across the country to address disrespectful and dangerous behaviours to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of their staff and internal culture.
Take the lead from the Stop It At The Start campaign, 'unmute' yourself and call out disrespectful and harmful behaviour. The behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept.
- Wendy Askew, Tasmanian Liberal senator