Parliament House was lit up in bright orange on Monday night to mark the United Nation’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel had put in a request to the federal government to light up the building and the government agreed to do so.
Independent MPs Zoe Daniel, Kylea Tink, Kate Chaney, Dr Helen Haines and Dr Sophie Scamps shared a photo standing in front of parliament, also dressed in orange.
“Tonight, Parliament House is illuminated in brilliant orange, the universal colour that brings global recognition to the epidemic of gender-based violence,” Daniel wrote on social media.
“Women have the right to live free from violence. Enough is enough.”
Dr Sophie Scamps also shared the photo, writing: “54 women killed so far this year, including one today.”
On Monday, campaigner and former Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty joined the Teal independents at a press conference to bring attention to the epidemic of men’s violence against women and children and the urgent need for action.
“I’ve been standing up in front of the Australian public for 10 years and this is exhausting, it is overwhelming, and it is disheartening,” Batty said on Monday.
“So I stand here today supporting these politicians who have shown leadership because this is where power is held in this country and influence cannot be underestimated.”
In Question Time on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about men’s violence against women and children by Zoe Daniel and Zali Steggall.
Albanese replied by noting the work his government had already accomplished in the space, including establishing a national 10-year plan to end family and domestic violence and legislating 10 day of family and domestic violence leave for Australian workers, alongside other reforms in the respectful relationships education and family law.
“We need 16 days of activism, but we need 365 days a year of action and commitment to rid our society of this scourge,” he said.
He also said it was problem for society at large and encouraged men to call out disrespectful behaviour towards women.
“It is not just a matter of government, it is a matter of every bloke having a conversation at the pub, at the football, calling it out,” he said. “Men have a responsibility, men are in a position to make a difference with their peers.”
According to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women register, 54 women have been killed due to violence against women this year. Six women were killed within a fortnight in October, five allegedly by men known to them. In November, six women in Australia were killed in seven days, five allegedly by men.
On Monday, it was reported in the media that on Saturday night, police were called to a home in Chiswick in Sydney where they found the body of Catiuscia Machado, believed to be in her 40s. Her partner, Diogo De Oliveira was arrested at the scene and charged with her murder.
If you are concerned about your behaviour, or about someone using violence, call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you or someone you know is in need of help due to sexual assault or family and domestic violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
In an emergency call 000.