Today all members of Parliament, from all parties, stand together to condemn all forms of violence against women and girls in Tasmania.
One in three Australian women have experienced domestic violence. Across the nation, about one woman a week dies at the hands of a partner, or ex-partner – too often while she is trying to leave the relationship.
The prevalence of domestic and family violence is sadly evident in the Tasmanian community, and must be reduced.
As Premier, as a White Ribbon Ambassador, as a husband and father, and as a man, these statistics are not only abhorrent, they are a source of shame.
I encourage all Tasmanians to get behind White Ribbon, Australia's only national, male-led campaign to end men's violence against women.
The Liberal Government is committed to reducing violence against women and their children, and creating a safe environment which is free from violence.
The Tasmanian Government is contributing to Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety to improve the evidence-base for policy development, service and support for women and education about family violence.
The Government remains committed to primary prevention and the 10 year strategy Taking Action –Tasmania's Primary Prevention Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.
I thank all Tasmanians who supported White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, and encourage everyone to help get the message out, every single day of the year, that violence against women is totally and utterly unacceptable.