Renewed focus on tackling domestic and family violence

The Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council’s final annual progress report, for the year to 30 November 2019 has been tabled in Parliament.

The Report notes the significant achievement in delivering all 140 recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever report which was announced last October.

The Premier said the report acknowledged the commitment across government, the service and business sectors and the community all working towards a Queensland free of domestic and family violence.

“My Government committed $328.9 million over six years to drive a comprehensive program of reform in delivering those recommendations to ensure lasting change,” the Premier said.

“We know that there’s more work to be done, in particular, that targeted support is needed for vulnerable groups.

“That’s why our Third Action Plan of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2019–20 to 2021–22 outlines the further actions needed to continue to embed cultural change and system reform while encouraging more community ownership of the reforms.”

The Premier acknowledged the valuable work and leadership of past members of the Council.

“I would especially like to thank the inaugural Chair of the Council, Dame Quentin Bryce and subsequent Chair, Kay McGrath, for their dedication, vision and drive in the continued oversight of this reform,” the Premier said.

“Fortunately, Kay will continue as a co-Chair, of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council with co-chair Bob Atkinson, the former Queensland Police Commissioner.

“The newly-established Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council will oversee the Third Action Plan of my Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Strategy.

“We know that working in partnership is the only way to truly create lasting cultural change – and the Prevention Council will play a critical role in working to increase corporate and community-led action to prevent domestic and family violence across Queensland.

“They will work to encourage every Queenslander to play their part in ending domestic and family violence.”

Members of the new Prevention Council are:

• Ms Karni Liddell, who is a disability specialist and a National Disability Insurance Scheme Ambassador and Advisor for the State of Queensland;
• Ms Karyn Walsh, who CEO of Micah Projects and is a strong advocate for developing community sector organisations and implementing programs to create opportunities for change;
• Dr Wendell Rosevear, who is the founder of three key organisations providing health support to Queenslanders including LGBTIQ+ communities;
• Ms Rachel Durdin of Rio Tinto, who is a 2018 Gender Diversity Champion;
• Ms Faiza El-Higzi, who is a Board Director of the Queensland Council of Social Service and adviser for multicultural affairs;
• Mrs Lynette Anderson, who is manager at Helem Yumba, the Central Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Centre;
• Ms Dianne Fletcher of Sarina Russo is passionate about supporting disadvantaged Queenslanders into work to help them become economically independent;
• Ms Penny Carr of Tenants Queensland has 25 years of experience in the community sector with a focus on working for homeless young people;
• Mr Saliman Bin Juda of Mura Buai Family Wellbeing Service is committed to the future of Torres Strait Islander children, consistently raising their voices and allowing them to be the authors of their own stories; and
• Magistrate Trevor Black – a magistrate with 40 years’ experience and currently presides over the Murri Court in Cairns.

“The Prevention Council will meet for the first time this month February and along with Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer, we look forward to working with the council and as we continue together to implement these important reforms,” the Premier said.

To view the report: https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/campaign/end-domestic-family-violence

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell – 0439 982 347