International Women's Day this year will be celebrated around the world on Friday 6 March. But, to be honest, I don't feel like celebrating. For me, International Women's Day 2020 will always be marked by the indelible horror and drowning sorrow of what was done to Hannah Clarke and her three children, Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey. Shamefully, their story was overshadowed by the man who mercilessly killed them.

The Federal Government’s announcement today of a pitiful $2.4 million funding for men's behaviour change programs to address domestic violence is a drop in the ocean and will not stem the tide of violence against women, the Greens say.

The Greens are calling for an urgent crisis response to the number of women killed by violence and greater accuracy in media reporting following the murder of a Brisbane-based mother and three children by their father yesterday.

'We are mothers, wives and daughters, and we deserve to feel safe wherever we go.' Those are Rana Elasmar's words. Last week she was with friends in a cafe in Sydney when a man approached their table. He shouted racist vitriol at her, punched her and then stomped on her head. She was the target of racist violence, as so many other Muslim women have been. The footage of the attack is absolutely sickening. Even those who do not know what it is to live life in constant, lingering fear of racist violence and abuse could not be unmoved by the brutal inhumanity of the attacker's hate.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Greens have secured senate support for the family law system inquiry not going ahead until there are strong protection measures for women who choose to give evidence.

The Greens absolutely do not support the statement made yesterday by Sherele Moody that firefighters are responsible for an increase in domestic violence during times of disaster. 

I, and also on behalf of Senator Waters, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that the New South Wales Parliament passed a Bill to decriminalise abortion on 25 September 2019; and

(b) congratulates and thanks all the women and activists who have worked tirelessly for decades to achieve this important reform.

Question agreed to.

HANSARD LINK

The Greens are proud to support the more than 60 young women who have taken over parliament today, acting as Senators for the day.

Greens Co-Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Women, Senator Larissa Waters, will bring on a matter of public importance for debate in the Senate today, where MPs from across the political spectrum will read speeches prepared by participants on the issues of concern to young women in Australia, including climate action, domestic violence and body image and autonomy.

The Greens will introduce a motion in the Senate today to dissolve the damaging Joint Select Committee Inquiry into Australia’s Family Law System, for vote tomorrow.

Greens Co-Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters, said the inquiry was already ramping up the risk to women and children.

The Greens are proud to support the more than 60 young women who have taken over parliament today, acting as Senators for the day.