Resources industry pledges support for domestic violence campaign

Queensland’s resources industry has reaffirmed its support for efforts to prevent family and domestic violence with the launch of the Palaszczuk Government’s #bystander campaign.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said workplaces were on the front line of the fight against domestic violence and she was thrilled with the work being done across the resources industry to make a difference.

“Having major industry bodies like the Queensland Resources Council backing our domestic violence bystander campaign is important, and it shows great leadership.

“We have long said fighting domestic violence is everybody’s business.

“Support from the Queensland Resources Council and from major employers like Rio Tinto is an important part of ending this scourge on our community for good.”

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the industry welcomed the continued implementation of the recommendations of Dame Quentin Bryce’s “Not Now, Not Ever” report and the launch of the bystander campaign.

“As the representative body for an industry that supports one in eight Queensland jobs, the QRC has been active with its members to ensure we 'do something' ourselves.  I have directed that our 2016 family and domestic violence toolkit for our Members be updated to reflect the new campaign,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“QRC is prepared to be engaged with the Government on any future initiatives to prevent family and domestic violence.”

“I am proud that our industry is not only working to prevent  family and domestic violence within Queensland, but around the country and the world.”

Last month, at the prestigious Resources Awards for Women, conducted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and voluntary group Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ), Rachel Durdin of Rio Tinto was named Gender Diversity Champion.

Based in Brisbane, Rachel has led Rio Tinto’s response to family and domestic violence including Rio Tinto’s decision to pursue White Ribbon Workplace accreditation and contributed to the development of Rio Tinto Australia’s guidance note addressing protections for individuals at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence, which includes new leave arrangements, flexible working arrangements, family rooms, should employees need to attend work with children, emergency accommodation and financial assistance.

Mr Macfarlane said upon receiving the Award, Ms Durdin made the powerful statement that “We want an industry free of fatalities and we want a community free of violence”.

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Farmer:                                       Ron Goodman        0427 781 920

Media contact – Queensland Resources Council:           Kirby Anderson        0400 206 502