Published: 1 Jul 2014
The MUA wholeheartedly welcomes the proposed Senate Inquiry into domestic violence announced last week.
 |
| The MUA crew from the Edda Fides on White Ribbon Day 2013 |
The Greens’ proposal had tri-partite support after it was introduced into the Senate.
In a statement Greens spokesperson for Women Larissa Waters said the inquiry would investigate the prevalence of domestic violence, contributing factors and the adequacy of government responses.
“In particular, the inquiry will look at the prevalence and effect of domestic violence on women living with a disability and women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds,” Waters said.
The MUA’s Women’s Liaison Officer Mich-Elle Myers said the inquiry was an important step in the right direction.
“Women, children and even men should feel safe at home, as well as at work but unfortunately statistics show this is not always the case,” Myers said.
“This year alone, 35 women have been killed as a result of violence.
“I hope the inquiry will lead to some real initiatives being put in place by and adequately funded by the Federal and State Governments.”
Deputy National Secretary and the MUA’s White Ribbon spokesperson, Mick Doleman, said he would welcome any Government action that seeks to curb domestic violence.
“This is an issue I feel very strongly about,” Doleman said.
“The MUA is one of the unions at the forefront of trying to raise awareness about this scourge.
“After a concerted effort every male official, organiser and officer has become a White Ribbon Ambassador.
“I have long held the belief that awareness is one of the best tools to stamp out negative kind of behaviours and as a result I aim to ensure the issue remains at the front of the collective membership’s consciousness.
“We will be watching this inquiry very closely.”
