Former Victorian Premier says blueprint for tackling violence against women “just sitting there”

Daniel Andrews says the blueprint for tackling violence against women is “just sitting there” for Anthony Albanese, the advice coming as the former Victorian premier launched Rosie Batty’s new book.

Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has spoken publicly for the first time in months, calling on the Prime Minister to follow his Royal Commission “blueprint” to tackle family violence.

Mr Andrews said it was “frustrating” listening to recent debate about violence against women when the solution to stop it was “just sitting there” for Anthony Albanese.

“I would say to the federal government and to the state and territory governments, there’s a blueprint, the Victoria Royal Commission, with 227 recommendations that are changing lives and saving lives,” he said.

“They are there to be adopted as a national plan.”

Catherine and Daniel Andrews at the memorial service for Harold Mitchell. Picture: Diego Fedele

Mr Andrews made the comments while launching Rosie Batty’s new book.

Mr Andrews made the comments to 7News Melbourne while launching a new book by family violence campaigner Rosie Batty.

The Andrews government launched Australia’s first Royal Commission into family violence in 2014.

“It’s not about credit, it’s not about where they were written,” Mr Andrews said.

“It’s about where they will work and they will work across our nation.”

It comes as five Victorian women have lost their lives this year due to gender-based violence, with Victoria considering tougher laws on serious domestic violence offenders.

This would follow in the footsteps of New South Wales, who have recently announced a plan that could prevent offenders from bail.

The harrowing events have prompted the conversation within parliament, particularly following the deaths of Rebecca Young, Samantha Murphy and Hannah McGuire.

“This is certainly something we will examine closely,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.

“We are looking at what more we can do to build on that foundational reform that we’ve already made in terms of reforming our service system, justice system, prevention programs to address this key and critical issue of ongoing violence against women.”