Domestic violence during Melbourne Cup
Linda Burney on ABC Melbourne Drive with Raph Epstein - Monday, 4 November 2019
RAPH EPSTEIN: Linda Burney, good afternoon.
LINDA BURNEY, SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES, MEMBER FOR BARTON: Hi Raph, how are you?
EPSTEIN: Why do you think, domestic violence spikes around the Melbourne Cup and grand finals?
BURNEY: Well, it does spike around the Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup. Of course, here in New South Wales we see a spike around the State of Origin Rugby League football game. It’s a combination of things, like you just said. It’s not just about alcohol. That’s usually a contributing factor. But the Melbourne Cup is a public holiday, so people will probably start drinking today, not tomorrow. We have the combination of often financial difficulties, and in some cases, the heat (inaudible) – there are lots of people in the house.
EPSTEIN: Do you think we’re doing enough, Linda Burney? The government – federal government – Scott Morrison’s government says they’re spending more than the federal government ever spent on domestic violence – is that a significant step forward?
BURNEY: Well, they are saying that of course. And we know from 1800 RESPECT, there’s a 17 per cent increase in demand for services when the Melbourne Cup was on. That was certainly the figure in 2017. And 2018 as well. So you’ve got to ask that question. But the point that you’ve made is that what the Morrison Government has invested is the fourth domestic violence action plan which of course is very important. But there has not been a substantial increase at all in domestic violence services. And of course Raph, state governments have a responsibility too, and the Victorian State Government is a shining light, I have to say, nationally when it comes to addressing the issues around domestic and family violence.
EPSTEIN: The Prime Minister is very vocal in saying how significant his investment has been.
BURNEY: Yes, he is. I have responsibility for a shadow perspective for a very large part of this portfolio. And the increase has been minimal. And it’s certainly not been where I believe the services are required. I’m talking about frontline services. Yes, we need advocacy groups; yes we need investment in research – all of those things are really important – but the investment really needs to be frontline, and directly, particularly to families are dealing with extremely difficult circumstances. And a lot of the people who are in these circumstances are marginalised in lots of other ways: be it living in poor socio-economic – but not always – conditions. There’s a whole range of …
EPSTEIN: … whole lot of other risk factors. But do you think the Government’s heart is in this fight? The federal government?
BURNEY: Yes, I think the heart is in the fight from any government – would be pretty [inaudible] government if it wasn’t. But the really crucial thing in my mind Raph, is to listen to the voices that are directly affected – or directly know about these issues. It’s not about what we as politicians think. It’s actually about people who are dealing with this issue day in day out, either as someone who’s experienced domestic violence, or is experiencing, or someone that works in the sector. They know where the needs are. And we know that there are thousands and thousands of people every evening, that are living in dangerous situations that do not get, or cannot get into a service.
EPSTEIN: A reminder the RESPECT number is (1800 737 7328), so 1800 RESPECT. Linda Burney is with us. She’s the Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services. Our phone number if you want to join in the conversation – different number – 1300 222 774. Linda Burney, can I ask you about the Prime Minister last week – he said he wants to create new laws to stop free-speech, if it’s about protesters targeting some companies – especially companies that are targeted over their role on climate change. This is the Prime Minister on what he calls “progressivism”:
Audio excerpt of Prime Minister Scott Morrison:
“I hear a lot about progressivism at the moment. Sounds like a lovely word. You can cuddle up to it. It can give you a nice warm glow. But I tell you what it means in hard political reality. Those who claim this title, want to tell you where to live, what job you can have, what you can say, and what you can think, and tax you more for the privilege of all of those instructions that are directed to you. “
EPSTEIN: That’s the Prime Minister last week, Linda Burney. Do you agree with him on “progressivism”?
BURNEY: I think progressive – I think being progressive is a very good thing. I consider myself to be a progressive. And I’m not sure what the Prime Minister was actually trying to achieve. Certainly Labor, and I noticed our spokesperson in this area said that we would look at the legislation. I think the Prime Minister was referring to some protest that affected businesses, and not necessarily progressivism, in a broader sense. And certainly Labor will look at that. But there is nothing wrong with the notion that of being progressive. If we didn’t have progressive thinking then I think we’d be a much smaller community.
EPSTEIN: Thank you for your time.
BURNEY: Thank you.
ENDS
LINDA BURNEY
TRANSCRIPT - MONDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2019