$1 million to expand white ribbon day activities rural and regional Australia

June 26, 2008

The Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, has applauded the Government’s commitment of $1 million to the White Ribbon Foundation to support and expand its activities in rural and regional Australia.

Mike Kelly, Member for Eden-Monaro

The funding over four years, announced by the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, will also assist the White Ribbon Foundation in its campaign to promote culture-change among young people, particularly young men, to reduce violence against women.

“It’s another step towards supporting women and children in rural and regional areas who are affected by geographic isolation and poorer access to crisis, health and police services,” Dr Kelly said. “The extra funding will complement the good work on this issue of people in the Eden-Monaro community such as the Bega Valley Shire Council.

“It will boost the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children now being developed and it supports our Government’s commitment to improving women’s participation in rural and regional policy,” he said.

Dr Kelly noted the Government is kick-starting this process by hosting a National Rural Women’s Summit in Canberra this weekend (26-28 June, 2008). It aims to identify and discuss the scope of issues affecting rural women and their communities and consider recommendations to address these issues.

Minister Plibersek said White Ribbon Day, held annually on November 25, fits with one of the key elements to the Government’s approach to addressing domestic violence against women — educating young Australians, particularly boys, about respect and awareness of the impact of domestic violence in the community.

This year, around 300 prominent Australian men will act as White Ribbon Day Ambassadors to advocate for non-violent relationships with women, she said.

One of the most recognisable Ambassadors is television personality, and lawyer, Andrew O’Keefe.
Mr O’Keefe is also Chairman of the White Ribbon Foundation and a member of the National Council to reduce Violence Against Women and Children.

Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, Wil Anderson, Joe Hockey, Pete Murray, Mikey Robins and Adam Spencer have also agreed to be White Ribbon Day Ambassadors. Sir William Deane is the campaign’s Patron.