Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am proud to rise in support of this motion, and I congratulate the member for Griffith for bringing this motion to the House. Advocating and protecting the rights of women and children in our society is something I feel strongly about, and I am proud to discuss this motion today.

One of my proudest moments as a member of parliament was being asked to speak on behalf of the government at the Our Watch launch last November. And the launch of Change the Story, a comprehensive framework for the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia, is a vital step in the campaign to end domestic violence as part of the broader National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

During my speech, and in subsequent speeches, I noted how the 2013 National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women survey indicated a prevalence of low understanding of violence against women and a tendency to excuse it or ignore it, particularly in younger people. Young people indicated they were supportive of gender equality in areas such as education and employment, yet are still far more likely to endorse relationships where men have power over women. This is a disturbing indication that points to a lack of understanding and education and an urgent need for negative attitudes around gender equality and violence to change. Violence against women is about power; perhaps, this is why the statistics endorsing a man's power over a woman in a relationship are so troubling.

It is so important to acknowledge and celebrate International Women's Day. As the motion states, it recommits to achieving gender equality and advancing the political and economic welfare of women domestically and internationally. Negative attitudes about gender equality that support a lack of recognition of violence in all its forms exist across all segments of the Australian community. There is little wonder then that 79 per cent of girls and women believe gender stereotypes affect their day-to-day lives. But we can make the choice to change the story. We can create a future where women and children can live lives free of violence. This shared national approach to ending violence against women and children will take time. Attitudes and culture do not change overnight; but, with persistence and a united message, together we can save lives and create a future for women full of hope—starting now.

This year the Central Coast International Women's Day Expo is being held this Saturday at the Ourimbah Campus of the University of Newcastle. With the hashtag #MakeltHappen2016 and the tag line Step It Up for Gender Equality the event is sure to attract an even larger crowd than last year. The 2016 Central Coast International Women's Day event is sponsored by Wyong Shire Council, Gosford City Council, District 9685 Rotary, Central Coast Lions Club, the University of Newcastle, Zonta, Sea FM, 2GO, the Soroptimist Society, Central Coast Women's Health Centre, National Home Doctor Service, Hunter TAFE, BPW Australia, Women of Wisdom and the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre. It is great to see all of the community coming together for this great event.

The day will include stalls and activities as well as presentations from various organisations—a day of celebration, information and entertainment. Saturday's event will see attendees from all over New South Wales converge on Dobell and celebrate the great achievements by women in our community. There will be seminars conducted on the day by local speakers who are committed to making a difference. Topics include the Days for Girls project and ways to create sound financial futures. The official opening will include special guest speaker, Central Coast icon and Paralympian Liesl Tesch. She will talk about her life in the spotlight and how she has overcome her challenges to become a Paralympian and a gold medallist. She is truly an amazing women. But, as usual, this event would not possible without the fantastic volunteer efforts of the International Women's Day Committee. I would like to thank the Central Coast committee for their great work again this year. Their effort and dedication is truly to be commended.

Being able to advance the economic welfare of women, domestically and internationally, can only provide a sound baseline for the growth of any country. International Women's Day is about being able to celebrate all that women have contributed to society and to our community. After all, without women, what would there be? However, we as a society need to make the necessary changes to make our world safe for women and children.

I commend this motion to the House.

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