4   WHITE RIBBON DAY

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Hayes—That this House:

(1)    notes that 25 November 2011 marks White Ribbon Day, the symbol of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women;

(2)    recognises that White Ribbon day aims to prevent violence against women by increasing public awareness and education by challenging attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to continue;

(3)    asks all Australian men to challenge these attitudes and behaviours by joining ‘My Oath Campaign’ and taking the oath ‘I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’;

(4)    notes with concern that one in three women will experience physical violence, and one in five will experience sexual violence over their lifetime;

(5)    understands that domestic and family violence are primary causes of homelessness;

(6)    acknowledges the community cost of violence against women and their children to the Australian economy was estimated to be $13.6 billion in 2008-09, and that if we take no action to shine a light on this violence, that cost will hit an estimated $15.6 billion in 2021-22; and

(7)    asks all Members to show that they are challenging violence against women by wearing a white ribbon or wristband on White Ribbon Day ( see item No. 2, Votes and Proceedings )—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.19 p.m., the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 p.m., the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.