The Albanese Government has highlighted its commitment to ending violence against women and children, by encouraging men and boys to champion behaviour change at the 2023 No to Violence Conference in Melbourne. 

No To Violence, the largest peak body in Australia for organisations working with men who use family violence, runs an annual conference bringing together national leaders and those with lived experience, to promote practical change.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, in an opening speech to the conference, emphasised the Albanese Government’s whole-of-government approach to eliminating gender-based violence, and continued calls for all levels of society to work together.

The conference theme, ‘Leading the change to break the cycle of violence’, aligns with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 (National Plan), and the recently released First Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, which recognise the importance of engaging men and boys to champion change now and into the future.       

More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022‑2032, the First Action Plan 2023-2027, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Elliot:

“Sustained collective action to address the drivers of gender-based violence and hold those who choose to use violence to account are key components of the National Plan and Action Plans.

“Through research and evidence-based approaches, the Government has identified a critical need to expand prevention initiatives that change the harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate violence.

“We also know that early intervention is one of the most effective ways to address controlling or violent behaviour - that is why we are continuing to fund the Men’s Referral Service and Brief Intervention Service, and partnering with states and territories to implement innovative responses to addressing perpetrator behaviour.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Kearney:  

“Our Government aims to provide consistent national leadership to achieve our shared goal of ending gender-based violence in one generation.

“Today is an opportunity for us all to renew the charge in breaking the cycle of violence. I want to thank all the advocates and organisations who work tirelessly to create real, lasting change.

“Ending violence requires sustained, collective action across society. Our Government remain committed to working collectively to achieve the shared vision of ending gender-based violence in one generation.”