Rosie Batty Welcomes Royal Commission
22 January 2015 at 10:26 am
Domestic violence campaigner and Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 member, Rosie Batty, has welcomed the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.
The new Labor Premier Daniel Andrews released the terms of reference for the promised commission earlier this week. The move was prompted after meetings with Batty after her 11-year-old son Luke Batty was murdered by his father in the town of Tyabb, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula almost a year ago.
Speaking to ABC Radio, Rosie Batty welcomed the Royal Commission.
“It’s really great when you see Governments following through with their promises in such a strong manner of leadership,” Batty said.
“It sends a very clear message that the extent of the problem is now recognised and no more bandaid fixes and wasted short-term campaigns. This needs strong, intense investigation and a long-term strategy.”
Rosie Batty was named in Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 list in December 2014 – highlighting the most influential people in Australia’s Not for Profit sector as voted by the sector.
Justice Marcia Neave will chair the Royal Commission with Patricia Faulkner from Jesuit Social Services and Tony Nicholson from the Brotherhood of St Laurence serving as Deputy Commissioners.
The proposed Terms of Reference ask them with finding the most effective ways to:
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Prevent family violence
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Improve early intervention to identify and protect those at risk
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Support victims
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Make perpetrators accountable
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Improve the way that Government and society work together
The Victorian Government said the proposed Terms of Reference will be presented to the Governor of Victoria so the Royal Commission can commence its work in February.
“The effect of family violence is profound. Family violence is the leading cause of death and disability in Victorian women under 45. Every week in Australia, a woman is killed by her current or former partner,” Premier Andrews said.
In 2013-14, there were 65,393 family incidents reported to Victoria Police, a rise of 83 per cent since 2009-10. A third of all police work, family violence costs our economy over $3 billion every year.
“We need a system that protects the vulnerable, punishes the guilty and saves lives. The Royal Commission will give us the answers we need and nothing will be off limits,” Andrews said.
