[Greens-Media] Govt sacks 18 domestic violence workers then issues congratulations

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon Media Release 3 April 2008

Govt sacks 18 domestic violence workers then issues congratulations

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says it is disappointing that the Iemma government today failed to agree to reinstate 18 regional Domestic Violence Prevention Specialists and undertake an urgent investigation into the arrest practices of female victims of domestic violence and their treatment by NSW Police.

"The NSW Upper House today debated a government motion dedicated to patting itself on the back for its recent domestic violence 'reforms'," Ms Rhiannon said.

"It is disappointing that the government failed to adopt Greens amendments, supported by the Opposition, to improve the operation of these reforms.

"The Greens called for the reinstatement of the 18 regional Violence Prevention Specialists that had built a strong presence in their local communities.

"The government's 'reforms' more than halves the number of regional specialists in rural areas.

"The government's own review of domestic and family violence services in NSW acknowledged the value of these positions in 'translating the commitment of a whole of government response to the community level'.

"While a co-ordinated, centralised high level group to direct coherent state-wide policy across government is welcome, slashing these on-the-ground positions is regressive.

"The Greens also called on the government to adopt the  'primary aggressor policy' that now operates in Victoria.

"A recent report by Redfern Legal Centre detailed the alarming trend of women being arrested for trying to defend and protect themselves when being assaulted by their male partner.

"The Greens continue our call for the government to immediately release the results of the file audit that NSW Police agreed to conduct in September 2007 on arrests and prosecutions of domestic violence victims.

"We also ask that the government initiate urgent discussions with the Redfern Legal Centre on the findings of the NSW Police file audit and the current pro-arrest policy.

"Violence against women is a scourge on our society and it is important that the government adequately fund and supports all efforts to stamp it out," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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