National Summit on Women’s Safety 2021 program launched

Financial security, policing and justice responses, sexual violence and challenges facing diverse members of the Australian community will be key topics discussed at the upcoming National Summit on Women’s Safety 2021.

The two-day program features keynote addresses, panel discussions and presentations as well as a series of roundtables that will form part of the consultation for the next National Plan to end violence against women and their children. We thank those who have agreed to participate in this important event.

Speakers and panellists will include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, Australian of the Year Grace Tame, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Summit will, however, be postponed and will now take place on September 6 and 7, 2021 at Parliament House in Canberra, due to uncertainties regarding COVID-19.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator the Hon. Marise Payne said that everyone has a basic right to safety, equality and respect in our society.

“Tragically, we know this is not the experience of many women and children,” Minister Payne said. 

“Through the National Summit on Women’s Safety 2021, we have an opportunity to shine a light on the violence that women from all walks of life experience in the shadows and behind closed doors, and to create real change and genuine advances for women and girls.

“The Summit will bring together a broad cross-section of the Australian community, including representatives who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQIA+, women with disability and, importantly, women who have experienced violence.”

Minister for Families and Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston said the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the speakers, panellists, roundtable participants and attendees would ensure wide-ranging ideas and the voices of all Australians were put on the national stage.

“At the Budget the Morrison Government made the largest ever commitment to women’s safety with our $1.1 billion package that provided our down payment on the next National Plan and this Summit is a critical step in the development of that Plan,” Minister Ruston said.

“The next National Plan must be an ambitious blueprint to stop the rot that is family, domestic and sexual violence across our national landscape.”

In the event a face-to-face Summit cannot take place on the new dates, it will still go ahead on September 6 and 7, 2021, using a virtual format. 

For more information on the Summit and to view the program go to http://www.womenssafetysummit.com.au.

Public consultation on the next National Plan is open until 31 July 2021 at engage.dss.gov.au. 

Anyone who is experiencing, at risk of, or impacted by domestic or family violence or sexual assault can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au