21 April 2016
Leader of the Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh delivered a passionate response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence Report in state parliament last week.
Mr Walsh congratulated the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence on her work and what she has achieved and offered his bi-partisan support to the government on the issue of domestic violence.
“We all come to this place to make the world a better place for all Victorians and I think the minister can be very proud of what she has done through the Royal Commission into Domestic Violence.
“If we look at the most common form of family violence it is intimate partner violence committed by a man against his current or former partner. One of the sickening statistics is that a woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner every week in Australia.
“As a male that statistic makes me feel absolutely sick – that my gender in the human population would commit those sorts of horrendous crimes.
“There is a long journey ahead but the government has already started that journey by making significant announcements.
In his contribution Mr Walsh focused on two recommendations in the report from a country prospective – the inappropriate facilities offered at country court houses and the crucial need for safe hubs for victims who live in country Victoria.
Echuca Court House is a classic example where there is one entrance and exit shared by perpetrators and victims.
“When I talk to police and lawyers they tell me that it is a hotbed of trouble just waiting to happen “ Mr Walsh said.
Across country Victoria demand for services is growing and the geographical and social isolation that many country communities face makes it far more difficult for people fleeing from family violence to access support.
“It is about respect for women and it is time to put politics aside.
“I commit myself and The Nationals to making sure we do everything we can to work across the chamber to make sure we deliver real outcomes particularly for vulnerable women and children living in country Victoria “ Mr Walsh said.
