Tasmanian Government axes annual family violence walk sparking union outrage

A symbolic anti-violence march that united Tasmania's community leaders for nearly a decade has been cancelled, sparking fears the government is stepping back from the cause.

Walk for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. Picture: Supplied

The state government has cancelled a long-running walk against family violence.

The Walk for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children has been held in Hobart since 2015 for public sector workers to show their support for the cause.

But it has been cancelled, in part, “because it does not cater to our regionally dispersed workforce”.

In a memo sent to staff unions on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of the State Service Management Office Amanda Russell said the late November event had been cancelled and would not be held in future years.

“For a number of years, the annual Tasmanian State Service (TSS) Family Violence Walk in Hobart’s CBD has been a valued and symbolic event for the State Service,” she wrote.

“However, from 2025 the walk will no longer be held, as it does not cater to our regionally dispersed workforce, nor does it accommodate the various ways that people may wish to participate in recognising the devastating impacts of family and sexual violence and the importance of stopping it before it starts.”

It will be replaced by a broader “focus from one event to sustained, meaningful action throughout the year”.

Last year, Public sector chief Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said the event was an important symbol of the fight against violence.

Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Katherine Morgan-Wicks at the budget estimates in Parliament on Monday 23rd September 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This walk signifies Tasmania’s commitment to creating a safer community, one that is free of violence and fear,” she said.

“The State Service is a key part of the Tasmanian community, and this walk reinforces that violence against women and children is not tolerated in our community.”

And the 2023 event was hailed by former Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Jo Palmer.

“There is power in the community coming together to raise awareness and spark discussion about the real and lasting change that is required to stop violence against women and children, and to achieve a Tasmania free of violence for all,” she said in 2023.

“Along with standing in solidarity with those who have been impacted by family violence, the walk is one of hope. Hope for a future where no woman or child lives in fear.”

Community and Public Sector Union Assistant Secretary Natalie Jones said it was unfortunate the walk had been axed.

CPSU rally organiser Natalie Jones outside Parliament House. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Along with the ongoing under-resourcing of the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service, this decision signals that the elimination of violence against women and children is no longer a priority for the Tasmanian Government,” she said.

“With the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission finding that Tasmanian women are reporting some of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the country, now is not the time to step back,”

“The event is a real shame to lose because it brought everyone together – public sector leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with union and community leaders in a powerful display of our shared commitment to this cause.”