LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has congratulated the Cairns community in Parliament for taking a united stand against domestic and family violence.
“Yesterday, more than 300 people turned out for the Safer Families, Better Communities walk on the Cairns Esplanade,” said Mr Entsch.
“It was a very public statement that Cairns has zero tolerance for domestic and family violence.
“We must work together as a community to be effective on this issue. It’s about reporting violence when we know it’s happening – not just waiting for the victims themselves to do it.”
Mr Entsch commended the tireless efforts of Amanda Lee-Ross, head of the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service who, he said, is doing a fantastic job in our region.
“In the last 12 months they’ve had a 13 per cent jump in people coming to their office, and a 26 per cent jump in referrals from police,” said Mr Entsch.
“We need to make sure that frontline services are being properly resourced so that they can deal with the influx of people needing assistance.
“I’m pleased with the Government’s $100 million support package, although I recognize that it will take a little time for the benefits to flow through to frontline services.”
Mr Entsch concluded by emphasizing how important it is that the community continues to stand up against family and domestic violence.
“Our statements have to be of absolutely zero tolerance to this plague on our community.”
