The two women endorsed as federal Liberal party candidates in the Hunter region have enthusiastically welcomed a draft 10-year plan to end violence against women and children.
Both Brooke Vitnell (Paterson) and Nell McGill (Shortland), who’ll face Meryl Swanson and Pat Conroy respectively at the next election, believe the proposal is “unprecedented” in its breadth.
The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 will start from 1 July 2022 and is open for consultation until 31 January.
Both lawyers, Ms Vitnell and Ms McGill are advocates for the safety of women and children.
The latter said the new plan would prove effective in reducing violence in the region.
“The idea of four pillars addressing prevention, intervention, response and recovery is important to this proposal,” Ms McGill explained.
“I particularly appreciate the flexibility of the strategy and the continued involvement with the victims of violence and sexual offences.
“It is vital we listen to survivors of abuse to learn from their lived experience how we might combat gender-based violence.
“I believe that our community should participate in the consultation on the plan so we can best learn how to keep the women and children of the Hunter safe.
“I’m also grateful that this zero tolerance strategy to all forms of violence is being led by two impressive female Senators.
“The fact that the entire country is welcome to put forward views is not only sensible, it will help us be more united as we plan action tactics.”
Ms McGill said the Liberal government’s investment of more than $2 billion to prevent and respond to family, domestic and sexual violence since 2013 was unprecedented.
“I’m proud of this Herculean effort to ensure that everyone feels safe,” she added.
Ms Vitnell admitted COVID-19 had led to disturbing assaults, too.
“Over the past two years, with isolation and social distancing from the pandemic, comes many vulnerable people in our community forced into close confines with their domestic violence perpetrators,” she said.
“We need to do better.
“In times of crisis and natural disasters, there is always documented rise in domestic abuse.
“While there are many forms of violent behaviour perpetrated against women, domestic violence and sexual assault are the most common forms of violence experienced by women in Australia and require an immediate and focused response.”
Anyone may comment on the plan at the Department of Social Services website at www.engage.dss.gov.au
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