St George Candlelight Vigil Ceremony

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-131616

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)

St George Candlelight Vigil Ceremony

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley)

—I rise to recognise, remember and honour survivors and victims of domestic and family violence, as well as those our community has sadly lost. I recently attended the St George Candlelight Vigil Ceremony, which was a chance to highlight the scourge of domestic and family violence with those in the Oatley Electorate. Organised by Georges River Council and the St George Domestic Violence Committee, the Candlelight Vigil reinforced the significance of putting a stop to domestic and family violence. Over 40 per cent of murders in New South Wales are domestic and family violence related, statistics which are shockingly high. I was proud to stand alongside Councillors from Georges River Council, as well as Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, in support of this important cause. This is a complex issue, however it is necessary that all representatives of the New South Wales Government work to protect victims of domestic and family violence, ultimately saving lives. Both the Oatley Electorate and myself say NO to domestic and family violence. If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence, I urge you to call 1800RESPECT for confidential counselling and support.