Queensland first for White Ribbon Workplace

The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships is the first Queensland Government department to successfully become a White Ribbon Workplace.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said he was proud to make the announcement that his Department would officially receive its accreditation today. 

“The issue of men’s violence against women in Queensland, and across Australia, has become one of great importance for our community–in acknowledging the issue and working together to address it,” Mr Pitt said.

“It affects all aspects of people’s lives, including their work life, which is why this achievement by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships is so significant.

“It demonstrates a holistic approach by providing support in the workplace for those who need it while also empowering employees to stand up and speak out against men’s violence against women as a unified organisation.”

White Ribbon, Australia's only national male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women, has a vision of all women being able to live in safety free from all forms of men's violence.

Mr Pitt said that by raising awareness through education, the campaign delivers programs with youth, in workplaces and across the broader community, focusing on making women’s safety a man’s issue too.

“Becoming a White Ribbon Workplace is significant in relation to the safety of women in the workplace as well as being part of a leading edge group at both national and international levels,” Mr Pitt said.

“This award-winning initiative also delivers key benefits including staff being involved in the drive for social change, improved office safety and morale, and increased staff knowledge and skills to address this issue.

“As the state’s largest employer, the Queensland public sector is committed to making a significant contribution to eliminating domestic and family violence and I expect many more agencies will follow DATSIP’s lead.

“The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to delivering on our community’s ultimate goal of ending domestic and family violence in our homes, communities and workplaces – we’re in this for the long haul.”

For more information on White Ribbon and to find out how you can stand up and speak out to prevent men’s violence against women visit http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/

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