RODNEY BREWER
Domestic violence was brought to the forefront of Queensland politics ahead of November’s White Ribbon Day.
White Ribbon Day is Australia’s only national, male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women.
A former member of the Maryborough Quota club, LNP member Anne Maddern voiced her concern over the increasing rates of domestic violence within her electorate.
“Domestic violence is an insidious and private form of violence that must be stopped,” she said.
“We need to understand that the perpetrators are also victims as no-one wins in domestic violence cases.”
Gladstone Independent Member Elizabeth Cunningham also spoke of the rise in domestic violence in her electorate.
“Incidents of domestic and family violence are projected to increase by 10.9% in the 2013-14 financial year with the Capricorn police district currently sitting at 97.4% above the state reported average rate for domestic violence incidents,” she said.
Mrs Cunningham said that while such high statistics were regrettable she was quick to commend the Newman government for establishing the Domestic Violence Task Force committee.
“I am certainly, along with other members who have been appointed to that committee, looking forward to the opportunity to work with Dame Quentin Bryce and other community representatives on what will be a very challenging issue,” she said.
Ms Maddern said while the state government has allocated Yoorana $450,000 in funding for 2014-15, Queenslanders should also support the work of the Queensland Government’s Domestic Violence Task Force.
“The effects of domestic violence was brought to my attention through the work of the Maryborough Quota Club in supporting the local Yoorana Women’s Domestic Violence and Resource Service,” Ms Maddern said.
White Ribbon Australia is held annually on November 25 with the campaign aiming to employ prevention initiatives linking awareness and education through a range of programs.