SENATOR THE HON MICHAELIA CASH

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women

SENATOR THE HON CONCETTA FIERRAVANTI–WELLS

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: GOVERNMENT COMMITS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR CALD WOMEN EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE

3 March 2015

The Coalition Government’s focus on supporting women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds was reaffirmed today with the announcement of an additional $120,000 for the provision of appropriate court services.

The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women Senator Michaelia Cash and the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, said today’s announcement by the Prime Minister was recognition of the fact that women from different backgrounds have diverse experiences of violence.

“It is essential that we provide appropriate and culturally sensitive support for those women who have to navigate our justice system if they find themselves a victim of family or sexual violence,” Minister Cash said.

“Some of the forms of violence and abuse that CALD women face are unique and as such the priorities outlined in the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children acknowledge this.”

Senator Fierravanti-Wells said Australia’s legal system needs to be able to sensitively deal with those issues such as child and forced marriage, as well as other relevant issues which exploit and abuse women and girls including family violence, Female Genital Mutilation and human trafficking.

“The Government is committed to not only endeavouring to stamp out these abhorrent forms of abuse, but we are equally devoted to ensuring appropriate support mechanisms are available for those who are subjected to such violence,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence of the Coalition Government’s efforts to support migrant women who may at times find navigating Australia’s justice system a daunting and complex task.”

The additional resourcing will aim to effect cultural change across the Australian court system, making every point of engagement more accessible for vulnerable CALD women – from dealings with court officials and administrators, to the sensitivity of the judge during proceedings.

Under the auspices of the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity (JCCD), the Migration Council of Australia (MCA) will develop a national framework for use across the courts and consult closely with communities as this framework is developed. 

Guidelines, protocols and training will ensure more effective and consistent administration of justice for CALD women and their families. Additionally it will ensure judges and administrators are aware of and sensitive to gender and cultural issues, unconscious bias, family violence and other relevant cultural matters.