Introduction by Croakey: In her first speech to Federal Parliament this week, Western Australia’s first female Aboriginal Senator Dorinda Cox called for a national inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women (watch her speech here).
Meanwhile, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice and women’s safety groups and their supporters and allies have published an Open Letter to the Federal Government, urging it to develop a dedicated National Safety Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, written for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Led by Djirra, the National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum and Change the Record, it says a dedicated plan is needed to “ensure we are not an afterthought or an ‘add on’ to a ‘mainstream’ plan” that is expected to emerge from the recent National Summit on Women’s Safety.
The letter is published in full below. It can be signed here. Also see related tweets below the letter.
OPEN LETTER
To: Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Senator Marise Payne
Senator Anne Ruston
A dedicated National Safety Plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – for and by First Nations women.
For many years now, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been calling for a dedicated National Safety Plan written for and by First Nations women.
Academics, Commissioners, specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services, community leaders and victim-survivors have been clear that only a dedicated First Nations National Safety Plan that is developed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women will work for our people.
This demand was again made at the Women’s Safety Summit in the opening forum, and was repeated throughout the Summit by First Nations leaders who are determined that another National Safety Plan should not be created that will fail our communities.
We are calling on Prime Minister Morrison, Senator Payne and Senator Ruston to agree to support a dedicated First Nations National Safety Plan that is developed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
We are calling for:
- A truly self-determined plan that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and First Nations frontline service providers to design our own strategies for our safety and the safety of our communities. This cannot be achieved by the government deciding who is at the table, and what reforms they want to consider.
- Our own dedicated plan to ensure we are not an afterthought or an ‘add on’ to a ‘mainstream’ plan. That won’t work. We need to design a plan that specifically works for us and our communities.
- A new approach that does not replicate the mistakes of the old National Action Plan that failed to reduce the violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Any plan that is a subset of a government driven process, under a government determined framework, will fall into the same traps.
- A national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Gathering/Summit is essential to ensure that self-determined, community-led solutions are invested in and listened to. A national Gathering/Summit specifically for First Nations women will also support the sharing of knowledge, promotion of leadership, building of networks and relationships.
Signed:
Antoinette Braybrook, CEO Djirra, Co-Chair Change the Record and Co-Chair National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum
Cheryl Axleby, Co-Chair Change the Record
Wynetta Dewis, CEO Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service, Co-Chair National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum
Tabatha Young, CEO Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland, Deputy Chair National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum
Phynea Clarke, CEO Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit, Deputy Chair National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum
David Alexander, CEO North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service
Dr Marlene Longbottom, Yuin Woman, survivor of violence, Research Fellow, Ngarruwan Ngadju First Peoples Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Wollongong.
June Riemer, Deputy CEO First Peoples Disability Network (Australia)
Emily Carter, CEO Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre
Sasha Cambrie, individual.
Shannon Oates, Manager Warra Warra Legal Service
Kylie Faulkner, Coordinator Many Rivers FVPLS Kempsey
Asha Bhat, CEO Southern Aboriginal Corporation Albany Western Australia
George Selvanera, acting CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Dr Amanda Porter, Senior Fellow (Indigenous Programs), Melbourne Law School
Hannah McGlade, Associate Professor Curtin Law School, Member UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues
Kenn Payne, Manager, Many Rivers FVPLS
Julie Perkins, Chair, Gurehlgam Corp Ltd (Many Rivers FVPLS)
Jaimee Morgenbesser, Domestic Family Violence and Child Abuse Survivor Advocate, QLD Chapter Co-Lead, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network
Louisa Gibbs, CEO, Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria Inc
Emma Iwinska, President of Ending Violence Against Women Queensland (EVAWQ), CEO at Women’s Health Queensland
Julie Kun, CEO, WIRE (Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc. )
Janine Rees, Survivor Domestic Family & Sexual Violence, Victim Survivor Voice
Kit McMahon, CEO, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Dr Rachel Bush, Research Officer, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Lula Dembele, CSA & DV Survivor Advocate, Founder Accountability Matters Project, & Manager, Gender Equity, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Zoe Francis, Acting Health Promotion Manager, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Jo French, Communications, Events and Business Support Officer, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Laura Riccardi, Health Promotion Officer, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Carielyn Tunion, Domestic and Family Violence worker
Dr Caroline Lambert, Independent Consultant
Denise Paxinos Finance Officer, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Delia Donovan, CEO, Domestic Violence NSW
C.V Ballina Gee (Body Corporate / Unit Trust ) All Rights Reserved, Founding Director, Housing With A Purpose
Christine Robinson, Coordinator, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Louise Edmonds, Founder MenStylePower and Men of Manners, CSA and DV Advocate.
Kathryn Allan, Regional President ACT & Southern NSW, Amnesty International Australia
Katrina Nurse, Health Promotion Officer – Prevention of Violence Against Women – Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Nicola Parkes, Youth Services Team Leader – City of Port Phillip
Kirsty Bell, Koorie Liaison Officer – Chisholm TAFE
Sienna Aguilar (she/her), individual
Che Bishop, individual
Edwina MacDonald, Deputy CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
Rabecca Mphande, President & Co-founding Director, AfriAus ILEAC: Inspire Lead Educate Advocate for Change Inc (AfriAus iLEAC Inc); President Nelson andela Day Commemorative Committee Inc (NMDCC); Pan African Australasian Diaspora Network Inc – Councillor (Chairperson PAADN Gender)
Chris Edmonds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Project Officer, Southern Melbourne Primary Care Partnership
Jacqui Watt, Chief Executive Officer, No to Violence.
Melissa Bickford, Aboriginal Community Officer, Glen Eira City Council
Rosanne Bersten, Managing Director, intertwine
Michelle Phillips, CEO, YWCA Australia
Bobbie Trower, Senior Manager Advocacy, YWCA Australia
Tess Moodie, DFV & SV Survivor Advocate, Policy & Project Officer at Women With Disabilities Australia, Project Coordinator Advocates for Change at Engender Equality Tasmania.
Heidi La Paglia, Director of Policy and Programs, Women With DIsabilities Australia
Dianne Hill, CEO, Women’s Health Victoria
Debbie Kilroy, CEO, Sisters Inside
Carol Fuller, Zonta Club of Launceston, White Ribbon Committee
Renee Carr, Executive Director, Fair Agenda
Diana Sayed, CEO, Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
Vanamali (Mali) Hermans, Policy & Project Officer, Women With Disabilities Australia
Nadia Bergineti, Chief Executive Officer, The Reily Foundation Inc
Bonney Corbin, Chair, Australian Women’s Health Network and Head of Policy, Marie Stopes Australia
Caroline Long, Regional Manager, South East Women and Children’s Services. Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, NSW
Michael Smith, CEO, Eastern Community Legal Centre
Helen Bolton, CEO The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (SAFV Centre)
Nicole Blaik, Community Worker, Highlands Community Centres, Southern Highlands, NSW
Jenna McDonald, Program Manager, Staying Home Leaving Violence SEWACS Bega
Verity White, Founder, Checklist Legal
Tricia Currie, CEO, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee
Barry Scott White Ribbon Launceston
Elaine Butler: Individual
Alison Laycock: Individual
Paula Piccinini, Chief Executive Officer, Refuge Victoria Inc
Bettina Baldeschi, CEO, International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA)
Dr Catherine Hastings, Researcher
Jamal Hakim, Councillor, Melbourne City, and Managing Director, Marie Stopes Australia
Kris Newton, Manager, Mountains Community Resource Network
Janine Sherrard, COO, Refuge Victoria Inc.
Bridget Tehan, President, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network
Dr Amy Wallis, Prevention of Family Violence Officer, Kingston City Council
Marco Lupoli, Team Leader Dianella Lives Lived Well, Blue Mountains
Denele Crozier, AM, CEO, Women’s Health NSW
Samantha House, Prevention of Family Violence Officer, Kingston City Council
Stephanie Robinson CEO, Lifeline Central West, NSW
Kim Stace, Sector Engagement Manager, Fams
Brent Honey, Diversity & Inclusion (Gender Equality) Officer, Kingston City Council
Claire Sinni, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Kingston City Council
Andrew Jackomos, Previous Commissioner for Aboriginal and Young People Victoria
Helen Fischer, Executive Member, Soroptimist International of South Australia
Dr William Liley, Managing Director, Violence Prevention Australia
Kate Walton, feminist activist and writer
Gill McManus Oxley, Researcher at Link-Up (NSW)
Linden Green, Relationship and Family Therapist
Rachael Natoli, CEO, Lokahi Foundation
Pefi Kingi QSM, Chief, PacificwinPacific
Suzanna Tiapula, Executive Group, PAWA – Pacific Australian Women’s Association
Heke Warren, Executive, NAVA – Niue Australian Vagahau Association
Deb Misiuepa, Inaugural Foundation Member, Victoria University Pacific Australian Postgraduate Association
Carol Lehmann, Creator, Domestic Violence Information Library (Australia) on Facebook and Admin, Domestic Violence Support Australia
Carly Stanley CEO & Founder Deadly Connections Community & Justice Services Limited
Keenan Mundine Deputy CEO Deadly Connections Community & Justice Services Limited
Brenna Bernardino, individual
Jeanette Large CEO, Women’s Property Initiatives
Warwick Cuthbertson White Ribbon Launceston
Anna Robinson, CEO, Access Health and Community
Laura Williams – individual
Tala Gosche – individual
Hunter Johnson, CEO & Founder The Man Cave Global Ltd and Good Stuff Global Ltd
Cheryl Alexander, Manager NBM Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
Maggie Munn, Indigenous Rights Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia
Linda Simon, National Convenor Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE)
Jane Madden, President National Foundation for Australian Women
Yumi Lee, Manager, Older Women’s Network NSW Inc
Samantha Klintworth, National Director, Amnesty International Australia
Stevie Hoiles, Individual
Kara Keys, Chair – Women in Super
Bethany Williams – Individual and Zonta Canberra member
Aimee McVeigh, CEO, Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS)
George Robinson General Manager Central Bayside Community Health Services
Carolyn Newall, CEO, We Teach Well.
Tanja Kovac CEO GEN VIC
Judy, Malcolm and Liesl Homes (individuals)
Ahmad Tausif – Team Leader of SHINE and Connect programs at Family Life
Karen Craigie, Executive Director, Prosper (Project Australia)
Ashley Scott, Executive Officer, Rainbow Families
Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey, Director, Australian Centre for Leadership for Women (ACLW)
Stacey Weatherall Aboriginal mental Health Peer Worker, Armidale Community Mental Health Team.
Sally Grimsley-Ballard, General Manager, Domestic Violence Service Management NSW
Peta Swarbrick Organiser Canberra March4Justice
Mark Carter – Cardinia Shire Council
Sally Stevenson AM, General Manager, Illawarra Women’s Health Centre
Rob Macindoe – Enliven Victoria (SEHCP Inc.)
Young Women’s Advisory Group (YWAG), Equality Rights Alliance (ERA)
Dr Maree Overall, CEO, EMILY”s List Australia
Jade Blakkarly, Juno
Professor Cathy Humphreys, University of Melbourne
Julie Allan, Co-founder, (OurNaturalGifts; nurturing Transcendental Leaders) OPP Australia Pty Ltd
Mary Crooks AO The Victorian Women’s Trust
Jana Favero, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Jenny Davidson, CEO, Council of Single Mothers and their Children
Dr Renee Fiolet, Indigenous Equity Unit, University of Melbourne.
Larissa Fogden, University of Melbourne
Greg Strong Aboriginal Family Health Worker Hunter New England Local Health District
Miranda Batchelor, Community Liaison and Client Support Manager-Illawarra Women’s Health Centre
Rachel Kayrooz, Disability Advocate, DV Survivor, Member of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (who wrote the 1st National Plan of Action)
Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia
Amara Hamid, community strengthening Coordinator, Kingston City Council
Amanda Lamont, Co-founder and Vice President, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network; Resilience Adviser, Zoos Victoria
Ruth Myers, Counsellor, individual, NSW
Lisa Marie Jackson, Committee Member, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network
Kath Cooney, Secretary, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network
Bronwyn Penrith., Chairperson, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation
Ruth Barson and Adrianne Walters, Legal Directors, Human Rights Law Centre
Monique Hurley, Senior Lawyer, Human Rights Law Centre
Simon Katterl, Mental Health and Human Rights Consultant
Dr Kyja Noack-Lundberg, University of Queensland
Kerry Weste, President, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR)
Samantha O’Brien, individual, WA
Julian Cleary, public health and human rights advocate
Georgie Dent, Executive Director, The Parenthood & Contributing Editor, Women’s Agenda
Dr Jane Wangmann, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney
Yvette Ainsworth Phillips, Individual, Vic
Dr Crystal McKinnon, Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, RMIT University
Ben Watson, Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen
Dilli Ching, Community Services Volunteer, NSW
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