E-Petition

Electors of Southern Downs draws to the attention of the House:

1. The need for nationwide action and funding to end gendered violence so that all women are safe in their home and in the workplace; and 

2. The ongoing and longstanding inadequacy of appropriate and timely services and resources for women and children impacted by gendered violence in the Southern Downs region of Queensland. The lack of basic support systems are failing hundreds of women every year, with locals having no clear pathway to access services.

The minimum requirements sought to provide appropriate, timely and effective services and supports in our local region are as follows:

a. Full time (or timely access to a) Domestic and Family Violence specialist counsellor for women and children;

b. Sexual assault social work service;

c. Legal support for victims of violence at our regional courts;

d. Accessible funding for accommodation and crisis resources for those fleeing DFV;

e. Widespread awareness campaign so that those at risk of or impacted by DFV can easily locate timely, local help;

f. A ‘no wrong door’ integrated approach across frontline services and community agencies for those affected by DFV.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

1. Call upon their federal colleagues to implement the Jenkins recommendations; and

2. Urgently recognise, and commit to rectifying the unmet needs in our region by funding and supporting the safety and recovery of women and children of the Southern Downs who are impacted by gendered violence.