SA senator’s push for urgent probe into better ways to tackle domestic violence

A South Australian senator is pushing for an urgent inquiry into better ways to tackle domestic violence in Australia after the brutal murder of Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke and her three children.

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South Australia’s powerful crossbench senator Rex Patrick will push for an urgent inquiry into new ways to tackle domestic violence in Australia after the horrific murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by her estranged husband last week.

The tragedy had highlighted that the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children wasn’t working as it should be, Senator Patrick said.

An SA senator is pushing for an urgent inquiry into new ways to tackle domestic violence in Australia after the murder of Hannah Clarke and her children.

He will call on Labor, the Greens, fellow crossbench senators and the Coalition to back the probe, which would examine the “adequacy, effectiveness and resourcing” of policies, programs and services designed to reduce domestic violence.

“I don’t want to just propose yet another inquiry. We know about the prevalence of domestic violence, we know its causes and contributing factors,” Senator Patrick said.

“We know its effect on health, its impact on children, its financial impact and its impact on the community.

“The dimensions of the problem are already clear and we don’t need to re-examine that.

“But we can look at where we can drive change in government policy, programs and resourcing to improve outcomes.”

Hannah Clarke’s father and brother, Lloyd and Nathaniel, speak at a vigil to remember her and her three children. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

Senator Patrick wants business and community organisations, as well as federal, state and territory government programs to go under the microscope in the inquiry, which would be conducted by the Senate.

It would also look at immediate and long-term measures to prevent violence against women and children, and how current policies impact housing, legal services, and women’s economic independence.

Senator Rex Patrick will work with other parties to establish an inquiry. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“I intend to discuss amendments, additions or improvements to the proposed terms of reference with other Senators and parties, non-government organisations, and any other interested persons with a view to securing the widest possible, non-partisan support for this initiative,” Senator Patrick said.

“We all know the family violence statistics, and they are horrific – Hannah Clarke was the eighth woman murdered by her former partner in Australia this year.”

“We all need to bang on the doors of government to demand real action.”

“It is high time that all segments of Australian society, especially men, faced up to our collective responsibility.”

The proposed inquiry would be conducted over six months and would report by mid-August.

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