Grace Tame & Brittany Higgins Backlash Extends Feedback Deadline for Domestic Violence Plan

Allowing only two weeks to review a 10-year plan was dubbed as “ludicrous”.

Content warning: This article deals with violence against women and abusive relationships.

The ABC reports that Australian police deal with 5,000 domestic violence matters on average every week.

After releasing a draft plan to end this domestic and gender-based violence, the federal government was met with backlash over the short feedback turn-around.

Two weeks were provided for the public to deliberate over the 10-year plan. Grace Tame, Brittany Higgins and hundreds of Australians weighed in with their thoughts, leading to a revision of the deadline to 25 February.

This.

A perfect example of the Govt’s consistent approach to dire issues.

I’m tired of being told we shouldn’t complain because “at least they’re making a plan”. Rubbish.

Dig deeper and there’s nothing there. No genuine commitment, no legitimate action, just hollow words. https://t.co/ihGcQa3NeU

— Grace Tame (@TamePunk) January 14, 2022

Activists argued it was an indication of the lack of time and effort invested into domestic violence matters by the government, especially considering this is a busy time of year for people to provide feedback.

They indicated it was important for as many voices and perspectives to be heard as possible, calling for the deadline extension as a much-needed move for the plan to be reviewed robustly.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Social Services Anne Ruston said, "the draft national plan is the culmination of 18 months of extensive, detailed and thorough consultation with victim-survivors, advocates, sector representatives, academics, business leaders and the broader community.

"As we have said throughout this 18-month process we are open to considering all feedback and following this issue being raised."

The plan covers four "national pillars" or key focus areas, including prevention, intervention, response and recovery. There will be a specific focus on promoting healthy masculinity among men and boys.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please seek help. Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), visit Reachout.com or get more info from Domestic Violence Support.