After four deaths in a week, what Tasmanian federal candidates had to say about gendered violence

After four deaths in a week, major party candidates were asked how their party would tackle the crisis of gendered violence. Read their responses

Tasmanian candidates’ pledge on gendered violence. Picture: istock

In the span of a week, four women in Australia have been killed due to gendered violence.

For years now, the death of women at the hands of men has been considered a “national crisis”.

Deep into the federal election, the key talking points have been housing, infrastructure, health care and even nuclear power — while very little seems to have been said on gendered violence.

Recent issues in Launceston that resulted in local government officials and councillors being harassed online left members of the community and legal experts calling for strong leadership.

A well known case in Tasmania was in 2023, when Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was killed at just 14 years old, a man has been charged and is awaiting trial for her murder.

In 2021, Rachel Wake, a midwife, was killed in a family violence, murdered by her ex-husband.

One in three Tasmanian women have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a partner since they were 15.

Family violence orders have increased in Tasmania, and in 2023-24 there were over 5300 family violence incidents, according to Tasmania Police.

Lyons Liberal candidate Susie Bower announced $5m for projects at Perth, one of Tasmania's fastest growing communities. Picture: Liberal Party.

Lyons Liberal Party candidate Susie Bower said as a female, she felt strongly committed to this area.

“Domestic violence is something that is terrible in our communities and something that we are very committed to,” she said.

“We will work with all groups to see how we can actually get this out of our society. It’s something that is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.”

Les Agor from Burnie Community House, Labor candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart and Burnie City Councillor Chris Lynch. Picture: Elise Kaine

Labor candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart said the Labor Government worked hard to offer support.

“I couldn’t give you a specific answer, but certainly (Minister for Women) Katy Gallagher and the prime minister have worked really hard over the last term of government to put a lot of dollars into supporting people fleeing homes and getting out of that,” she said.

“Also in terms of educating men and young boys around the need to respect people and things like that. It’s very tragic and it’s something we will continue to support.”

Greens federal election Senate candidate, Vanessa Bleyer. Picture: Linda Higginson

Greens senate candidate Vanessa Bleyer said her party had announced a $15 billion costed election policy package to address the national family, domestic and sexual violence crisis.

“We all deserve to live without the threat of harm. However, Australia is facing a crisis of domestic, family and sexual violence,” she said.

“It’s the Greens alone this election offering investment that will encompass prevention, frontline response support services, housing, recovery programs, and a range of measures designed to improve the safety of women and children across the nation and improve perpetrator intervention and accountability.”

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Originally published as After four deaths in a week, what Tasmanian federal candidates had to say about gendered violence