2016-12-08
I rise today to contribute to the debate on the Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor Bill 2016. The Greens strongly support the government's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Implementing these recommendations represents a catalyst for the deconstruction of a toxic culture that is deeply embedded within the psyche of our nation, a culture that finds its root causes in the power imbalance between men and women.
It is deeply reassuring that this bill is presented to the Parliament for consideration today, as it indicates a milestone in the progress of dismantling what has become a national epidemic. We are dedicated to ensuring that each of the 227 recommendations are implemented in full in the spirit of the commission's intentions. In particular we want to ensure that the 119 recommendations that are expected to be implemented within the first 12 months are delivered on schedule.
But we do have two questions in relation to this bill, and I would appreciate it if the minister would address these in his summing up. The first is around the relationship between this bill and the recommendations of the royal commission, specifically recommendation 199. We would like some clarity as to the relationship between the monitor and the proposed independent family violence agency and perhaps the other agencies that are involved in the implementation process.
The second question we have is: given the magnitude and grave importance of instigating the culture change necessary for these reforms to be effective, we would like to know why the government has chosen not to make experience in the family violence sector a prerequisite qualification for the family violence reform implementation monitor. It is not a stretch to suggest that there are complexities in the area of family violence that may be overlooked by someone without expert knowledge. It takes an experienced eye to identify opportunities in order to maximise them and effectively and efficiently counter potential problems when implementing this level of reform. I would be very appreciative if the minister could provide answers to these questions in summing up.
The Greens support this bill in principle. The detail of the bill, specifically the transparency around reporting and the independence protections given to the monitor, are welcome. The monitor is a crucial component of a stable and certain governance structure to support action on family violence.