Domestic violence is above politics

The Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, says it’s important the Opposition does not send mixed signals on such an important issue as domestic violence.

Today the Opposition associated itself with the Minister’s answer on V-Day and the One Billion Rising campaign in Question Time.

“I welcome that gesture as some issues are and should always be above politics,” Ms Collins said.

“Violence against women and their children is one such issue.

“Today, the Opposition through its Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Status of Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, also sought to make political capital on this issue.

“Senator Cash criticised the Federal Government for a delay in the opening of the new National Centre of Excellence to reduce violence against women and their children.

“The National Centre of Excellence is a partnership between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

“The Select Council on Women’s Issues agreed to establish the Centre at its meeting in Hobart on 23 November 2012.

“The final paperwork from all the States and territories has recently been received and the National Centre of Excellence is now registered as a company with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

“In the co-operative spirit of this initiative, the NSW Government has located premises in Sydney and identified an interim CEO.

“I announced the appointment of Professor Anne Edwards as Chair yesterday.

“With an interim Chair and CEO appointed and already working together, the National Centre of Excellence is now ready to commence its important work,” Ms Collins said.