Queensland’s corporate sector has been praised for its support for women dealing with domestic and family violence.
Community Services, Housing and Women
The Honourable Karen Struthers
21/09/2011
Corporate CEOs take up the violence prevention challenge
State Member for Everton Murray Watt said thousands of victims had been helped in the past 10 years by Australia’s CEO Challenge, a charity which partners businesses with refuges for women and works to prevent violence.
“Australia’s CEO Challenge is a unique national model which has brokered 28 partnerships between Queensland businesses and women’s refuges since 2001,” Mr Watt said.
“The partnerships have also benefited thousands of workers who are now better equipped to support those experiencing violence at home and at work thanks to the workplace training.
“The worth of the partnerships has been estimated at more than $500,000 a year.”
Representing the Minister for Community Services, Mr Watt was speaking in Brisbane where he presented three plaques marking the achievements of two partnerships over the past 10 years and a newly formed partnership.
Clayton Utz and Jebb refuge, and Brisbane City Council and Gareema (Brisbane) refuge joined the Australia’s CEO Challenge in 2001 with the Pullenvale Lifting Club supporting the Pindari Homeless Women’s Service (Salvation Army) this year.
Mr Watt said tackling domestic and family violence is a high priority for the Queensland Government and this year has stepped up efforts.
“We’ve committed more than $190 million in our response to domestic and family violence, which includes funding for police, courts, women’s shelters, support for victims, perpetrator intervention programs, public awareness campaigns and the new Death Review Unit in the coroner’s office.
“Recently we introduced to State Parliament the Domestic and Family Protection Bill 2011, which represents the first major overhaul of Queensland’s domestic and family violence legislation in 20 years.
“This legislation will maximise the safety and protec tion of people who fear or experience domestic and family violence.”
For help in dealing with domestic and family violence, call the DVConnect helpline on 1800 811 811 or for more information about the government’s violence prevention initiatives visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/violenceprevention
Media Contact: Mr Watt’s office 3855 1133
