Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Five part children’s audiobook to help Stop it at the Start

The Morrison Government’s Stop it at the Start campaign has partnered with Nova Entertainment to launch a five part children’s audiobook to encourage respectful attitudes in the next generation. 

The audiobook series will be delivered as part of the national campaign’s third phase which focuses on prevention approach to end violence against women and their children by encouraging adults to promote positive attitudes around respectful relationships in young people.

Titled ‘Project ARI’ and written by popular children’s author Nat Amoore, the audiobook focuses on a young robot named Ari (short for Artificial Intelligence) who is sent to live with the Warner family to learn the ‘human experience’.

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the podcast added another tool in the Stop it at the Start campaign’s tool box to help reach Australian families.

“Project ARI will serve as a timely prompt for Australian families to have an honest conversation around what trusted, healthy relationships look like,” Minister Ruston said. 

“It is a great resource for parents searching for an extra story to share at bedtime or to listen to in the car on the way to school. While entertaining for our children, it also shares important lessons around the importance of respecting others.”

Well known Nova Radio talent have lent their voices to the project, including presenters Kate Ritchie, Cam Daddo, Byron Webb and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli. It will also include special guest cameos from popular sports commentator Mel McLaughlin and Matilda’s soccer star Kyah Simon.

Minister Ruston thanked Nova Entertainment for supporting the campaign. 

“If we are going to end violence against women and their children we must all work together – governments, businesses and individuals,” Minister Ruston said. 

The five-part series will be released weekly from today and can be downloaded free from all popular podcast streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 
For more information and broadcast quality advertising materials, visit www.respect.gov.au 

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au