Queensland Government departments deliver on White Ribbon commitment

The Palaszczuk Government has fulfilled a commitment made in 2016 for all 19 Queensland Government departments to become White Ribbon Australia (WRA) accredited workplaces.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said as Queensland’s largest employer, the government was leading change across the state in the fight to end domestic and family violence.

"During domestic and family violence month, we’ve been sharing the message that everyone can do something, everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence," she said.　

"Workplaces in particular have an important role to play, and becoming WRA accredited is a significant way our public service workplaces can contribute to driving social change. 　

"Attaining White Ribbon Accreditation is quite an achievement, and it gives our people greater awareness of what they can do to lead that change, and how to access support when they need it most."　

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said it also helped managers develop the skills needed to recognise and respond to affected employees, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all involved.　

"DFV is a workplace issue. It can affect the safety, wellbeing, productivity and performance of affected employees and has flow-on effects for the broader community," she said. 

"That’s why, in 2015, we were the first government in Australia to introduce paid domestic and family violence leave for our public service employees.　

"We are proud of the steps taken to support our employees, and hope to empower them to stand up, speak out and strive to support equitable and respectful relationships.　

"Our collective commitment and efforts in our workplaces are making a significant impact in creating the foundations for a Queensland free from domestic and family violence.　

"I congratulate all departments in the commitment they have shown and in recognising we all have a role to play in eliminating DFV."　

Ronan Smyth, Executive Manager Workplaces at White Ribbon said accreditation as a White Ribbon Workplace lasted for three years and was assessed on policy and practices. 　

"Becoming a White Ribbon Workplace represents recognition of a significant amount of work carried out by Queensland Government agencies to prevent and respond to men’s violence against women," he said.　

"White Ribbon were particularly impressed with the innovative multi-agency approach adopted by the government to ensure co-ordination of effort, training and messaging.　

"The Queensland Government is at the forefront of efforts to eradicate the scourge of men’s violence against women in Australia."　

The departments which recently became White Ribbon Accredited include the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment and Science, Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs, State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Rail.　

The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships has also successfully achieved reaccreditation as a White Ribbon workplace.