That the House:

(1)   recognises that Wednesday 25 November 2009 is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women which is symbolised by the wearing of a White Ribbon;

(2)   calls on all men to actively participate in White Ribbon Day and speak out against violence against women;

(3)   recognises and applauds the recent work of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), to which the Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development is a member, for the establishment of the AFPPD Standing Committee of Male Parliamentarians on Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls on 7 September 2009;

(4)   acknowledges that the establishment of the AFPPD Committee is a significant step in bringing together male parliamentarians from across Asia as role models and outspoken activists for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls;

(5)   notes that one in three Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime; and

(6)   acknowledges that gender based violence costs the Australian economy over $15.1 billion each year, including health, work absenteeism, police and court related costs.