PM FAILS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON FAMILY VIOLENCE

Twelve questions regarding family violence initiatives remain unanswered by the Prime Minister, almost a year after they had been sent.

 

As the Shadow Assistant Minister for Preventing Family Violence, Ms Butler wanted to know whether the money had been spent and if it had, on what measures.

 

“We want to make sure that the money is reaching the programs that help victims and survivors of family violence,” Ms Butler said.

 

According to Our WATCh, on average, at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia and one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence, since the age of 15.

 

Family violence is not just a matter of importance, but urgency.

 

On the 11 September, Ms Butler asked the Speaker, Tony Smith MP, to write to the Prime Minister, in accordance with standing orders, seeking reasons for the delay in answering.

 

That was three weeks ago.

 

“Now the Prime Minister is failing to answer both myself and the Speaker,” Ms Butler said.

 

“Either the Prime Minister doesn’t want to talk about family violence, or he is incompetent.

 

“I call on the Prime Minister to give the issue of family violence the attention it deserves,” Ms Butler said.