National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women

In May 2008, the Government established an 11 member National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, under the leadership of Libby Lloyd AM.

The Council’s task was to provide the Government with advice on the implementation of an evidence-based National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women.

Since their appointment, the Council has consulted with over 2,000 Australians including educators, survivors and perpetrators of violence, witnesses, service providers, people living in rural and remote areas, Indigenous people, members of the judiciary, representatives of the States and Territories and members of the public.

The Council has also, with the support of the Government, gathered significant research to ensure their advice is based on what we know works.

The National Council has now provided me with a copy their Plan, Time for Action.

I want to express my gratitude to Council for their dedication in developing a draft National Plan they believe will reduce both the incidence and impact of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Around 1 in 3 women experience domestic or family violence in their lifetime and 1 in 5 experience sexual assault (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Ensuring the safety of all Australians is a key priority for the Australian Government.

The National Plan will support the community to:

• better support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault;
• ensure the legal system is effective; and
• reduce violence for future generations.

The Government will now consider Time for Action before releasing it publicly.