Tonight, men across Australia
are being called upon to unite in a stand against family violence as part of
the White Ribbon Night.
I will join the Commissioner of Police Darren Hine and together we will again
take the White Ribbon oath to “never to commit, excuse or remain silent about
violence against women’.
Importantly, we will be joined by representatives from local high schools, business leaders, sporting codes who all share in our commitment to address this dreadful social ill.
As a White Ribbon Ambassador and Premier of Tasmania I am determined to address the causes of family violence, and our efforts to eradicate it.
This is a whole of community issue, but as Premier I am personally leading the response of the Government, which includes a Family Violence Action Plan to be released next month.
The Action
Plan is being developed with service providers, those affected by family
violence and Government Agencies.
The Government is also pleased to work with White Ribbon Australia, a cause
that shares in our dedication to ending violence against women.
Through primary prevention initiatives and an annual campaign, White Ribbon
Australia seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to and
perpetuate men's violence against women by engaging boys and men to lead social
change.
The Government is committed to doing everything it takes to address the very serious problem of family violence, and ensuring there is a cultural change in attitudes towards this social ill.