Nothing ‘off the table’ as Albo prepares for crisis talks to end violence against women

Countering violent and misogynistic content online is set to be top of the agenda when the national cabinet holds crisis talks this week to end the scourge of violence against women.

Bolstering prevention efforts to eradicate the scourge of violence against women will be a top priority for leaders when national cabinet meets on Wednesday.

Online harms including countering violent and misogynistic content, and access to age-inappropriate material on social media, will also be discussed at the virtual meeting.

Anthony Albanese and his state and territory counterparts are being urged to leave nothing off the table, as they consider greater co-operation and information sharing about high risk perpetrators and serial offenders.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that there were “no overnight solutions” but said they were committed to doing what it takes to make women safe.

“It is not enough to support victims, or mourn them – we need to focus on the perpetrators and on prevention,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is not a women’s issue, it is a national crisis and we have to take responsibility for addressing it as a nation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet for crisis talks with national cabinet later this week. NCA NewsWire

“This is hard work and demands a real cultural change. We are committed to making progress.”

Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin will also give a presentation to leaders.

White Ribbon Australia CEO Melissa Perry welcomed the meeting, saying greater investment was needed across the family domestic violence and abuse sector.

“This includes primary prevention strategies and education campaigns to stop violence before it starts, behaviour change programs for men who have chosen to use violence, and victim-survivor support services,” Ms Perry said.

“We call on both state and federal governments to work together and urgently prioritise efforts in responding to family and domestic violence.”

Full Stop Australia CEO, Karen Bevan, said the talks needed to include victim-survivors of sexual violence and lead to concrete actions.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese addresses crowds at the No More! National Rally Against Violence march at Parliament House in Canberra. NCA NewsWire

“Nothing should be off the table,” Ms Bevan said.

“There needs to be collaboration and co-ordination between states, territories and federal governments to throw everything we have at this issue.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she had asked Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward to look at what more could be done to build on Victoria’s nation-leading work.

“This is a national crisis, and needs a national response,” she said.

“This week’s national cabinet is an opportunity for us to share what we have learnt from the Royal Commission with our state and federal colleagues, but more importantly to work together on next steps to address men’s violence.”

Opposition prevention of family violence spokeswoman, Cindy McLeish, said Victorian Labor had had 10 years and a royal commission to address domestic violence but the issue continued to worsen.

“The Allan Labor Government must focus on responding to works already completed, including the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s report into stalking and harassment,” she said.