Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Employment and the Minister for Women, Senator Cash. Can the minister inform the Senate of the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Reynolds for her question. On Friday we mark White Ribbon Day, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year marks the 13th consecutive year that White Ribbon Day has been celebrated in Australia and of the White Ribbon campaign.

At the White Ribbon breakfast this morning the Prime Minister spoke of the role that we all have in changing the attitudes that create and sustain the endemic culture of violence that we do see in our community. As he said, not all disrespect results in violence against women, but all violence against women begins with disrespect. I, too, want to acknowledge that there are men in Australia and indeed globally who also are subjected to violence. This can also never be dismissed.

In relation to attitudes, senators will be aware of the $30 million Commonwealth funded, with the states, 'Let's stop it at the start' campaign. This campaign is all about Australians taking personal responsibility by showcasing the links between violence and disrespect. The campaign itself was based on extensive research which shows that when influential adults, whether they are parents, family members, teachers or coaches, say or do things that reinforce the stereotype of disrespect they are listened to and then those things are implemented in some cases by young adults.

The three-year campaign is now into its six month and the response has been overwhelming. Between April and June of this year it was YouTube Australia's most-watched advertisement and it has now had in excess of 36 million views. It received the YouTube board leadership award and has been shortlisted for a number of advertising honours. Almost half of influencers have seen the campaign, and the feedback is that those who have seen it have then taken action as a result of the campaign and changed their own personal attitudes.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Reynolds, a supplementary question?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I do, I would just like to say—and this probably should have been a point of order—that when the minister stood up one of the senators opposite made a highly derogatory comment to the minister about her appearance. I think particularly on this subject on this day to refer to her as a zebra, in fact, is highly inappropriate, as it would be at any time.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was sharing a joke with Senator Collins. I just said, 'What's black and white and eats like a horse?' I did not mention anything about anyone over there.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Sterle. It is probably time just to advise senators that respect must be shown at all times and even the perception of respect. Senator Reynolds, you can continue with your supplementary question.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Collins might think it being precious, but making a joke, particularly on this day, about the minister's appearance is, I think, highly inappropriate.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order, on both sides. Senator Reynolds, we will start the clock again for you to ask your supplementary question.

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister please explain what action the Turnbull government is taking to tackle the scourge of domestic and family violence?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am very proud that the first decision of the Turnbull government was a cabinet decision in relation to the announcement of a $100 million women's safety package. I will take the time now to advise the Senate on the progress of some of the outcomes of the package.

We have expanded the 1800RESPECT frontline service, and our new model for telephone counselling has reduced the average call waiting time for victims of domestic violence from 10.3 minutes to 35.11 seconds. Our cross-border intelligence desk cuts across remote communities in the tri-border regions of WA, the NT and South Australia. It successfully identified and tracked 13 high-risk offenders in the first six months of this year. These offenders have been convicted or are currently before the courts. And we have implemented specialist domestic violence units and health justice partnerships around Australia which are already assisting 534 clients with 1,400 services. (Time expired)

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Reynolds, a final supplementary question?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Will the minister please update the Senate on today's announcement of the expanded role of the new eSafety Commissioner and the introduction of civil penalties for non-consensual sharing of intimate images?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Fifield and I today announced the appointment of a new Children's eSafety Commissioner, with expanded responsibilities, to take a lead role in combating the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, often known as 'revenge porn'. Online safety expert Julie Inman-Grant has been announced as the new commissioner and will commence in January. The office will also be renamed the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, taking out the word 'children' quite deliberately, because this reflects the office's expanded responsibility for online safety issues affecting adults.

As part of a comprehensive range of measures to combat the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, the commissioner will also now develop a new online reporting tool which will allow victims to report incidents as well as access immediate and tangible support. We are also conducting a public consultation process on proposed civil penalties targeted at both the perpetrator and the host site. (Time expired)