STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr DREYFUS (Isaacs) (16:07): I rise to give a speech I selected from entries in the Raise Our Voice competition from 11-year-old Royce in my electorate of Isaacs. It reads: I would like to share why I think the government should take more action on domestic violence against women and children. In Australia, one in four women experience domestic violence from a family member or someone known to them.

Domestic violence is increasing every year, and women and children are losing their lives. The Australian Government needs to educate itself so that it can recognise the signs that someone is experiencing some form of domestic violence, because not all violence is physical and it can be difficult to see. I think the government could learn a lot by listening to and speaking with domestic violence survivors in Australia.

By listening to survivors, the government could hopefully make changes and lower the statistics. I think that people who work in places that may come into contact with victims, should be educated by survivors and professionals about domestic violence. I hope that this country will start taking domestic violence more seriously so that we can reduce these statistics and, most importantly, save lives.

I have been exposed to domestic violence when I was little, involving my mum, and it was not very nice and can be very scary. I now live with my mum in our home, and I am happy. But I sometimes think about other kids and women who are in the same situation, and that makes me sad.

I hope that this is taken seriously. Royce, thank you.