Media Release by The Hon Julie Collins MP

Giving Respect the Big Rap

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Carol Brown
    Senator for Tasmania
    Deputy Government Whip in the Senate

Two young Indigenous Australians have been nationally recognised in this year’s National Art and Poster and the Rap4Respect competitions in Hobart.

Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown, representing the Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, today announced Sophie Flynn and Josh Kemp both from Queensland as the winners of the competitions.

The competitions are part of the Government’s $17 million The Line campaign, promoting healthy and respectful relationships among young people in Australia. The announcements were made as part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Hobart.

Sophie Flynn, aged nine, won the Arts and Poster competition, for her titled artwork, “Mates”, a joyful expression on the children’s faces and sense of sharing and community.

Josh Kemp, aged 11, won the Rap4Respect competition, for his rap about doing the right thing, taking courage to say no to unhealthy relationships and respecting each other.

“Today’s event is all about respect. We need to change attitudes and behaviour across our communities to prevent and reduce violence in relationships,” Senator Brown said.

“These competitions and The Line campaign encourage young people to talk about this important issue.”

Senator Brown also unveiled resources for The Line’s Jealousy campaign, which will support girls and boys aged between 10 and 14 to talk about how jealousy affects relationships.

Schools with high Indigenous populations around Australia will soon receive lessons plans and resources, including scripts, to teach students about healthy relationships by acting out situations.

Minister Collins said promoting respectful relationships was part of the Government’s commitment to reducing violence against women and children.

“Under the $86 million National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022, we are working together with all governments and the Australian community to reduce violence against women and children,” Ms Collins said.

For more information on The Line campaign and the National Art and Poster and Rap4Respect visit www.theline.gov.au.