Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I congratulate you, Deputy Speaker, on your appointment. I wanted to take the first opportunity I had in this new parliament to acknowledge and thank the many people in our local communities across the country who dedicate themselves to protecting vulnerable children and women from both domestic violence and sexual abuse.

As shadow minister for child protection and the prevention of family violence, I've already met with and been working with a number of organisations. There are far too many to list in this 90-second statement, but I've working with many, from the more well-known like Anglicare to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation; Bravehearts; the Alannah & Madeline Foundation; Hearts of Purple on the Gold Coast, who specialise in innovative solutions and support for women at risk. There are, of course, thousands of individuals and organisations who work to help people in these situations, including the specialist DV lawyers who work in this field.

I want to put on the record that I am determined to work with the incoming government to help further improve support services for families experiencing violence. The coalition will always support practical programs that are centred on developing and maintaining an outcome and making a real difference.