MEMBER for Parkes, Mark Coulton, is disappointed many parts of his electorate have been identified as domestic violence hotspots, but is pleased the government has committed funding to fight the problem.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“In light of the federal government’s announcement
of its $100 million Women’s Safety package to respond to respond to family and domestic violence, there has been a lot of discussion happening on this issue right across my electorate,” Mr Coulton said.
“On the one hand, I am very disappointed that many parts of my electorate have been identified as hot spots for domestic violence.
“On the other hand, I am very pleased that the government’s announcement has started a conversation about this issue throughout our communities.”
Mr Coulton’s comments come in the wake of New England MP and Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce calling for a change of culture from the ground up to counter the domestic violence epidemic.
“It is not clever to swear around women, it’s not politically incorrect to open a door for a lady, it’s not old fashioned to give your seat up for a pregnant lady or an older lady,” Mr Joyce said.
“To be a strong man requires a lot of things, but what it certainly doesn’t include at all is hitting women. It’s about creating a sense of decency.”
Mr Coulton said the issue of domestic violence is a multifaceted one and is confident the government’s package will go some way to providing front line services to tackle the issue across his electorate.
“However it is important that, as a community, we take a stand against domestic violence,” he said.
“Any form of abuse against another person, whether physical or emotional, is simply unacceptable.”
Mr Coulton encouraged anyone suffering from dom- estic violence to reach out for support through friends and family or the 1800 RESPECT support service.
His comments come as Fairfax Media newspapers across the country, including The Northern Daily Leader, promote a campaign to End the Cycle of family violence, particularly in regional areas.
