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.

“There have now been eight women killed by violence in 2020, after 61 were murdered last year, yet there was more response from the Prime Minister to the needles-in-strawberry incident,” said Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson for women, Senator Larissa Waters.

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.

Greens co-deputy leader and Spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters said,
“The Greens have said since day one that establishment of the inquiry into the family law system will pose real danger for women and children.

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.

“Australia’s family law system has serious problems which need addressing, however this inquiry is politically motivated and should not go ahead,” she said.

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 have today announced their plan for equality for women which includes $5.3billion over 10 years to more adequately address the epidemic of family and domestic violence.

“The comprehensive suite of initiatives, designed to ensure women are safe, valued and treated as equals in private and public life, show the scale of work that needs to be done level the playing field for Australian women and girls,” Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters said.

Violence against women is at epidemic levels in our country. Every year we count the numbers and every year they're distressingly high. Last year 53 women were killed, mostly by men known to them. So far this year, 63 women have been brutally murdered, almost six women every single month. Where is the outrage, where is the urgency and where is the change?

“Today’s decision to remove the GST from sanitary products after 18 years is a win for people-powered campaigns,” said Australian Greens Senator, Janet Rice, who introduced a bill to axe the tampon tax that that passed the Senate in June.

“This is a huge win for all Australians who menstruate and shows the power of grassroots  movements when we work together.”

“I’m so pleased that finally, both major parties have listened to the huge groundswell of Australians who knew from the start how sexist and unfair this tax was.”

The Greens have used ATO income statistics to highlight that the Turnbull Government’s tax cuts for high income earners will disproportionately benefit men, and leave women in low- and middle-income jobs at a comparative disadvantage.

“We know that women are much more likely to be on a lower income and the Budget’s disproportionately higher tax handouts to high income earners shows just where this Government prioritises the equality of women,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

The Australian Greens will today give notice to introduce a bill to the Senate to repeal the tampon tax.

“After 18 years, it’s time to finally axe this unfair tax so I’m introducing a bill this week to get the job done,” said Senator Janet Rice, the Greens spokesperson for women.

“For too long, successive governments have been happy to let this sexist tax persist. People who menstruate continue to be taxed unfairly every time they go to the chemist or supermarket to buy essential sanitary items.”

The Greens today welcomed Labor’s announcement that they will remove the GST on menstrual hygiene products if they form government after the next election, but want Labor to join the Greens to achieve this reform as soon as possible.

“It’s great to finally see some commitment from Labor, after we’ve campaigned on this for years. This is another example of the Greens leading the policy agenda and Labor following,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.