‘How dare you’: ‘Disgraceful’ chat slammed

There are calls for immediate funding boosts to the gendered violence sector, with one expert lashing MPs for playing politics with the issue.

Australia’s politicians have come into the firing line as the community loses patience with the level of violence against women across the country.

At least 28 women have died allegedly at the hands of men so far in 2024, with the issue coming under intense focus following the death of young mum Molly Ticehurst in NSW in April.

It has led experts and advocates to call for immediate funding boosts and tweaks to the judicial system instead of an expensive and lengthy Royal Commission in NSW.

On the ABC’s Q&A this week, Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie, Labor frontbencher Murray Watt and NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman appeared to speak about government responses to the crisis.

As they discussed funding arrangements and traded barbs, Macquarie University criminologist Vincent Hurley lashed the MPs on the panel in an impassioned address from the crowd.

“How dare you go into politics in an environment like this, when one woman is murdered every four days,” he said.

Criminologist Vincent Hurley lashed inaction.

Labor’s Murray Watt and host Patricia Karvelas listen on. Pictures: ABC

“And all you can do is immediately talk about politics. That is just disgraceful.

“Is it any wonder frontline services aren't getting the money that they want?”

Mr Hurley went on to point out that current funding for domestic violence services paled in comparison to the mammoth $300 billion AUKUS submarine deal, saying the community needed action now.

“We cannot arrest our way out of this,” he said.

“But the immediate concern of the women here, they need to have that offender off the street to give them breathing space.

Mr Hurley also accused all governments of having for years “patient dumped” people with mental health and drug issues onto the streets, which he called “underlying causes” of domestic violence.

“It is more than just domestic violence,” the criminologist said.

“You don’t need a Royal Commission, that money has to go into frontline services now.”

Australians around the country turned out in large numbers to call for an end to gender-based violence. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Domestic Violence NSW has also called for greater funding for the sector rather than a Royal Commission, saying the focus should be on immediate action.

Chief executive Delia Donovan said NSW invested $200 million less than Victoria in the last financial year, and a Royal Commission would mean a two-year wait for increased investment.

“If it is a choice between diverting limited funding to a Royal Commission or an immediate injection of urgently needed money into the domestic and family violence sector – as representatives of over 180 specialist DFV services, we need immediate funding to address the critical shortages and gaps,” Ms Donovan said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking with No More! event organiser Sarah Williams. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The string of alleged domestic violence and gendered violence murders in Australia this year led to a series of rallies held over the weekend, organised by the What Were You Wearing group.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was caught up in controversy after the Canberra rally on Sunday, with organiser Sarah Williams accusing him of “demanding” to speak at the event.

Mr Albanese has declined to comment on Ms Williams’ claims, but video published by the ABC appears to capture the exchange on stage and the crowd calling for the PM to be given the microphone.

During his speech, Mr Albanese called the issue a “national crisis” and agreed that governments were not doing enough.

“We’re here today to demand that governments of all levels must do better, including my own, and every state and territory government,” he said.

Molly Ticehurst, whose body was found in Forbes, NSW. Picture: Supplied

“We’re here as well to say that society, and Australia, must do better.

“We need to change the culture, we need to change attitudes, we need to change the legal system.”

Lifeline chief executive Colin Seery said the demand on services was “unprecedented” after the horrific attacks in recent weeks saw a record number of calls on Sunday.

“Lifeline received more contacts from helpseekers than ever before … These figures clearly tell us there is a great deal of distress in the community,” Mr Seery said.

“Whether it is events overseas, the cost of living, homelessness, violence against women or other factors affecting people’s lives, the level of distress and anxiety is very high.”

Originally published as ‘How dare you’: ‘Disgraceful’ chat slammed