Media Releases

Over the past fortnight, Australians have been confronted by shocking reports of violence against women. 

In response, Community Strong MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender MP have joined forces in Parliament to demand urgent action on Australia’s crisis of femicide, family and domestic violence and sexual violence.

Steggall moved, and Spender seconded, a suspension of standing orders to allow the House to immediately consider a motion calling for stronger national action to protect women and children and address systemic failures.

The Community Strong MPs called for clear accountability mechanisms to track the hundreds of recommendations produced by reviews and inquiries over the last several years. They also called for the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission to be empowered, enabling it to compel information and to play a formal role in monitoring implementation and funding.

The motion comes as Australian women face an escalating crisis. Australian Femicide Watch records 45 women and 19 children killed by violence this year. In Brisbane on August 12, a 27-year-old Brisbane woman was killed after reportedly seeking police assistance days earlier.

The motion also acknowledges two high-profile sexual assault allegations currently being investigated by police. While due process and the presumption of innocence must be respected, the Members said these cases demonstrate why allegations of sexual violence must be taken seriously and addressed in a way that prioritises victim safety and wellbeing.

“Women are angry, frightened and exhausted. We cannot keep responding to violence against women with condolences after another woman is killed and then move on. Institutions cannot minimise these serious allegations or seek to first protect their own reputations.”

“It is particularly alarming that sexual assaults and violence by boys is reportedly on the rise. The need for institutional accountability and positive male role models has never been more important.”

“We have had inquiry after inquiry, with too many recommendations left sitting on the shelf. When women seek help and are still killed, we must ask if systems are actually working. The answer is clearly: no.”

“That’s why I’m calling on the government to empower the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner or establish a royal commission into femicide and domestic and family violence.”

Allegra Spender MP said:

This week has highlighted the crisis of domestic violence, family violence, and sexual violence in our country.

Over the years there have been countless reviews and inquiries – informed by the expert evidence and experience, and the testimony of victim survivors. These reports have delivered close to one thousand valuable recommendations, but we won’t see real progress until we give the Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Commission the power and responsibility to access the information they need from all levels of government to monitor, track and measure the implementation and effectiveness of those recommendations.

As Domestic and Family Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has said, "We have political will across all governments. We have a national focus through National Cabinet. We now need a razor-sharp focus on coordinated, accountable and agile delivery."