Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Around 300 people turned out in force to show their support in stopping violence against women in Papua New Guinea at a recent demonstration held in Brisbane. The demonstration was one of many taking place across the country and in Papua New Guinea as part of the Haus Krai movement, which arose in response to a series of horrific attacks on women—many of them in connection with alleged sorcery. Sadly, some estimates suggest as many as 70 per cent of women in Papua New Guinea have experienced domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime.

The event was based on the traditional haus krai, which means a gathering place to remember and mourn the loss of a loved one and friend. It is a very emotional part of the bereavement process for the Papua New Guinea community, involving storytelling and singing. The Haus Krai demonstration in Brisbane saw hundreds of people marching through the CBD, from the Botanic Gardens to the Roma Street Parklands. It was remarkable to see so many from the Papua New Guinea community as well as local supporters from Brisbane involved in the event, along with representatives from a number of Australian non-government organisations including Amnesty International. I commend coordinator Philma Kelegai for bringing this serious issue to the attention of local Brisbane residents.