Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne is determined to stamp out domestic violence (DV) in the Hunter.

The Senator ventured to the region last week and listened to local educators, victims/survivors, council representatives and health professionals during a round table forum on Women’s Personal Security at the Belmont 16s.

Liberal candidate for Shortland Nell McGill, who organised the meeting, said Hunter women needed to be heard, on the eve of the government’s finalisation of its ambitious plan to end violence against women and children.

“The federal government is investing an unprecedented amount of money on this problem,” she said.

“They’ve spent 18 months in close consultation with victims of violence, and the groups that provide them with support.

“Women in the Hunter deserve to feel safe.

“The roundtable was a unique opportunity for locals to speak directly to the Minister, who is driving this plan.

“Their voices are so important – and they had so much to bring the discussion.”

Ms McGill said a shortage of housing in the Hunter was affecting women, particularly those fleeing domestic violence.

“The government has consulted more broadly than ever before on the draft plan,” she explained.

“But, Marise Payne’s keen to continue discussions as we are always learning in the efforts to eliminate violence against women and children.”

Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell said DV had risen dramatically in the Hunter.

“For example, we’ve seen an increase of 60% in recorded domestic violence incidents in Raymond Terrace, alone, since the pandemic began,” she stated.

“Locally, we can all work to do more.

“With isolation and social distancing during the pandemic, many vulnerable people in our community have been forced into close confines with domestic violence perpetrators.”

The federal candidates both welcomed the government’s proposal to spend a further $2 billion as part of its National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Ms Payne said she was delighted at the opportunity to hear more views from Hunter representatives.

“This government is determined to keep women safe and the testimony of victims-survivors has been immensely powerful and important,” she stated.

“I acknowledge the increase in domestic violence in the Lake Macquarie area, too, and agree the spike of it across the entire Hunter is a challenge.

“But, we have worked hard with both state and territory governments to deliver frontline services and provide a range of funding solutions to particularly address some of those challenges exacerbated by COVID-19.

“This scourge will not only be addressed by government.

“This is an issue for whole communities, for families and for individuals.

“And, that is why it is so important to hear from representatives in the Hunter region.”

The consultation on the draft plan closes next month.

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