Share the Dignity Campaign

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-99770

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Share the Dignity Campaign

Mr CHRIS PATTERSON (Camden) (12:09:42):

I move:

That this House:

(1)Notes the kindness and generosity of people who have donated to the Share the Dignity campaign.

(2)Notes that the Share the Dignity campaign provides sanitary products to homeless women, and at-risk women experiencing domestic violence who cannot afford to purchase products.

(3)Recognises the increasing number of women in Australia who are homeless because of domestic violence and notes that all women deserve dignity.

I commend Share the Dignity for its mission to ensure that no woman suffers the indignity of choosing between buying food or sanitary products, which are as essential to women's health as food and water. In fact, the United Nations has linked menstrual hygiene to human rights, specifically the right to human dignity. Many homeless women and women in domestic violence shelters have to face unthinkable indignities during their monthly period, being unable to afford sanitary products. Women in these situations are already facing immense hardship; they should not have to face the stress of wondering where they will get their next tampon or pad.

One huge impact of domestic violence is homelessness. The risk of homelessness for women with children in violent situations can be a deterrent to making the decision to leave. But, as we know, many women do leave. They flee from their homes with their children and seek refuge in places where they can stop, breathe, have some peace, and take time to get help to re-establish themselves and their children and start a new life, free from domestic violence. There is a network of women's refuges across the State which support and accommodate women, with or without children, who are escaping violence, and the Government has increased the number of those refuges. Providing refuges and accommodation for women and children is only one response, which is why specialist homelessness services also offer a greater range of prevention, early intervention and support responses.

The New South Wales Government is concerned about homelessness and is taking a holistic approach to tackling homelessness and the factors that contribute to it. Those factors are complex and require a range of solutions to meet the needs of vulnerable people. Specialist homelessness services, funded by the Department of Family and Community Services [FACS] and delivered by non-government organisations, form a vital part of the service system supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It focuses effort on people known to be most at risk of homelessness—for example, rough sleepers, people leaving care and other institutions, women experiencing domestic and family violence, people with mental health issues and people living in unsafe conditions.

The Sharing the Dignity campaign does a wonderful job. Last year I ran this campaign in my office and we received more than 500 handbags from people in the Macarthur community, filled with all sorts of women's products and hygiene products—toothbrushes, toothpaste and soaps. I spoke to the people who picked up the bags and distributed them. I am extremely proud to say that we got such a good response from the Macarthur community that we received far more bags than we needed, so the excess could be shipped around the State. Unfortunately, homelessness and domestic violence occurs across the country. I thank the Macarthur community for providing so many women in need with these products.

Minister Davies is extremely compassionate and is doing an outstanding job on this front. She is running a collection drive and has called on all members to support this campaign. I know that all members in this House will support the campaign. In her press release Minister Davies called on people to get a second-hand bag and fill it. The ladies who picked up the bags made the point—it is something that members may not realise—that probably the most sought-after items are the little shampoos, conditioners, body washes and soaps that we all collect from hotels. Every member of this place probably has a cupboard full of them. I ask members to let their constituents know that they should fill the handbags with these small products because women who have left their homes need to travel light—quite often it is just for a day or two—and the small, individual items are very useful.

I ask members and their constituents to empty their bathroom drawer, which contains accumulated small items and in doing so they will be helping countless women. I went to the two chemists in the main street of my town, who were extremely supportive. They worked it so that people could come in from the community and buy—I do not know if it was at cost—a set of designated products that had been donated. There are any number of ways that we can support this cause. I thank the members for what I know will be an outpouring of support.

Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (12:17:03):

I commend my colleague the member for Camden for bringing to the House this motion, which states:

That this House:

(1)Notes the kindness and generosity of people who have donated to the Share the Dignity campaign.

(2)Notes that the Share the Dignity campaign provides sanitary products to homeless women, and at-risk women experiencing domestic violence who cannot afford to purchase products.

(3)Recognises the increasing number of women in Australia who are homeless because of domestic violence and notes that all women deserve dignity.

I am very proud to have a Share the Dignity bin in my electoral office. I think we have filled six or seven bins. I got the idea from my colleague the member for Camden when I saw a social media post. I commend him. I know he is a passionate supporter of this campaign and I think it is a really great cause. I note some of the issues for women in my electorate, and in our region, including homelessness. I was at WILMA Women's Health Centre the other day. I was saddened when I was advised that the centre cares for 300 clients. Obviously, these are personal and private issues that people do not talk about very much, but that does not reduce the need to address the issues and to support the cause.

Share the Dignity is a tremendous organisation, and one that I am proud to be associated with; I know my colleagues are also. I ask all of my colleagues to consider having a Share the Dignity bin in their offices. It just requires allocating a space, and members can promote it through social media or the local newspaper. The campaign members will set up the bin and empty it; all that members need to do is to promote it. I know it is invaluable because I have met some of the beneficiaries.

As sad as the stories are—to be frank, it is quite upsetting to hear those stories—they should encourage us to keep the cause going and to highlight the issues. Share the Dignity was founded by Rochelle Courtenay in March 2015 when she learned of homeless women going through their menstrual cycles without any sanitary items. She questioned why nothing was being done for those women. Rather than wait for a solution to come along, Rochelle decided that it was up to her to provide the solution and help to provide much-needed assistance for those women. Her first collection drive resulted in more than 500 pads and tampons being collected through her tremendous efforts and those of her local Brisbane community.

The member for Camden rightly states that other items such as shampoo, et cetera, also are greatly appreciated. The collection drive is not limited to tampons and pads. The women are really suffering and they could use any support they can get. Needless to say, overnight Rochelle went from community activist to international supporter and she has not stopped since. Through the hard work of Rochelle, her board and thousands of volunteers, Share the Dignity is able to supply much-needed and valuable items to many homeless women in all places. The organisation's efforts should not be overlooked because without organisations such as Share the Dignity many more women would go without basic sanitary necessities.

Within the first six months of installing the collection bin in my electorate office, notable contributions came from Jacqui Borg from BaptistCare and Donna Marr from Eagle Vale whose total donation came to 220 items. To my mind, that is what organisations such as Share the Dignity represent. They bring out the very best in local communities when people donate much-needed sanitary items. I especially mention the staff at Woolworths at Eagle Vale for coming together and purchasing pads and tampons during their work breaks. I was astounded, proud and humbled when they came into my office to donate hundreds of those valuable items. I was delighted to meet them. I know they will continue their support.

I especially mention the Campbelltown Domestic Violence Committee. I welcomed my parliamentary colleague, shadow Minister and good friend the member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, who is passionate about this issue, adopts a pragmatic approach, and provides strong support. There can be no greater advocate addressing the issue of domestic violence than the member for Maitland. I commend her for her efforts. The committee is doing fantastic work. It brought together 22 people at a meeting to talk about domestic violence and bring it to light. I look forward to continuing to support that wonderful committee in its deliberations and plans for the future. I wish that we could do so much more, but the committee is doing the best it can. The best thing that we can do is support them.

In conclusion, I thank the member for Camden for moving the motion because I believe domestic violence and homelessness go beyond any type of partisan politics. It is important that we as parliamentary representatives do our part by recognising the increasing numbers of homeless and vulnerable women in our society. By doing so, we can provide some assistance. I do not think there could be any more worthwhile or important cause than helping the most marginalised people in our society. Let us be serious: There are not many more marginalised and vulnerable people in our community than victims of domestic violence, particularly—and very sadly—women. I commend the member for Camden for moving the motion. I thank the House for its indulgence.

Ms ELENI PETINOS (Miranda) (12:23:29):

I support the motion for the Share the Dignity charity and I take the opportunity of this debate to thank the member for Camden for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. Share the Dignity is an Australian charity bringing dignity to people who are homeless, at risk and experiencing domestic violence through the distribution of sanitary items. Share the Dignity is an organisation that started off simply collecting and distributing women's sanitary products to homeless or disadvantaged women. The group is asking women to literally share the dignity and not leave any woman feeling the indignity of having to face their time of the month without the necessary sanitary items or even having to choose between buying food or sanitary items.

Rochelle Courtenay, who is the founder and managing director of Share the Dignity, began her activism in 2015 when she learned of homeless women going without basic sanitary items during their menstrual cycle. From there, Rochelle took matters into her own hands, collecting sanitary items within her local community and distributing them to local shelters. From the simple idea of giving dignity to women, Share the Dignity has grown into a national charity with more than 1,500 volunteers Australia-wide. One of the group's initiatives is the current It's In The Bag campaign, which came about when it was realised that women in crisis will most often put the needs of others before themselves. In the charity's words:

We realised that we seem to manage the needs of children at Christmas, ensuring they're cared for and made to feel special, but the same can't always be said for making our women in need feel special.

Therefore, each November the charity collects handbags filled with personal care products which are distributed through shelters and charitable organisations to women who are homeless or experiencing domestic violence. This is such a fantastic organisation, and I encourage those in this place and my community to fill a handbag with items including soap, shampoo, conditioner, sanitary products, hairbrushes, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste that so many of us take for granted, and perhaps add some little luxuries like pyjamas, perfume or some make-up. Earlier the member for Camden mentioned that small products are really good but often women quite like the trendy little backpacks. They are often really good for young women and teenage women who are at risk.

More than 85,000 girls and women turned to homelessness services in the last year. Many had fled domestic violence or had experienced extreme poverty. We do not often see this in our local communities, but many people experience difficult times. From 1 October 2016 to September 2017 the police in the Sutherland shire responded to 2,344 incidents of domestic violence. Those reported incidents include verbal arguments, assaults, breaches of apprehended violence orders [AVOs], intimidation, stalking and cybercrimes. Since 2014 there have been three domestic violence homicides in the shire: Linda Connors in Sylvania was murdered by her son in May 2017; Tina Kontozis was murdered by her partner, Stephen Boyd, in Bundeena in April 2016; and Comrie Cullen was murdered by her ex-husband at Taren Point in 2014.

As we know, many homeless or at-risk women generally are forced to leave their homes to escape domestic violence. In 2015-16, more than 18,400 young people aged 15-24 years were helped by specialised homelessness services in New South Wales. More than 90 per cent of those had witnessed violence in their own homes. In conclusion I remind everyone that we each have the power to make life better for a woman or girl who is experiencing homelessness and poverty this Christmas. This simple act of kindness can make a big difference to the lives of those women. I ask everyone to support this worthwhile cause this Christmas. I know I will be, and I look forward to showing some members of this House the packs that I put together.

Ms JENNY LEONG (Newtown) (12:27:36):Ladies, We Need to TalkTime to name (and shame) the mental loadLet's slay menstrual taboos

I join in debate on the motion moved by the member for Camden concerning the Share the Dignity campaign and note that this House is united in its support of this important campaign. I am pleased to inform the House that the Newtown electorate office has been a collection point for the campaign on a number of occasions and will continue to do so in the future. I give absolute credit to the member for Camden for highlighting this issue. Recently I was on a podcast called , which was hosted by Yumi Stynes. Yumi raises a number of taboo subjects that she believes need more attention. I participated in the episode called . Another episode that I encourage everyone to listen to was called .

A point made in that podcast is that we do not talk enough about the issues around menstruation, so the policy changes, the scientific changes and the other support and empowerment changes for women and girls are not dealt with because it is a taboo subject that we do not talk about. I give huge credit to the member for Camden for moving the motion and bringing the issues to the attention of the House. It is important to remember that this a human rights issue. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about women's and girls' participation in education and society as a whole, and has pointed out that they are hugely disadvantaged as a result of their inability to access basic needs. Every woman would agree that a period is not a luxury—although sanitary products do attract the luxury tax. But that is another campaign for another day. Human Rights Watch states:

For years, human rights organizations have documented how periods, and the poor policy and programmatic support for managing menstruation, have a negative impact on women's and girls' human rights.

The Newtown electorate office is a collection point for the Share the Dignity campaign because we believe this is an important initiative. However, there are many other things that this House and this Government can do to address the wider issue of supporting women and girls who are facing homelessness because of domestic violence. We should support them in ensuring that they have the human rights and dignity they deserve.

We must implement the Housing First approach to this issue. It is all well and good to talk about the additional services and support that can be provided by charities and organisations like Share the Dignity. However, we must recognise that the Government has a key role to play in addressing homelessness and its relationship to domestic violence. That includes providing the significant funds required to implement a Housing First approach to address homelessness in this State. By implementing that approach, the Government could assist the 60,000 people on the public housing waiting list. It could also take immediate steps to help women and girls fleeing domestic violence by enacting the changes in the rental reform package that will be introduced in this place early next year. Those reforms will make it easier for women and young people fleeing domestic violence to be protected in the private rental market.

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (12:31:43):

I support and thank the member for Camden for moving this motion about the Share the Dignity campaign. The Minister for Women and the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault have encouraged members to get involved in this campaign by setting up collection points in our electorate offices, and we have done so. The good thing about this is that donations made at our offices stay in our communities. This is a true grassroots program. My electorate of Maitland has seen one of the highest increases in domestic violence in this State and, as a result, the demand for assistance is also increasing. The Share the Dignity campaign is successful because the scourge of domestic violence is pervasive in our communities and it has horrific impacts. We all know someone who is impacted by domestic violence, and women and children are the primary target.

I congratulate Rochelle Courtenay on the work she has done to establish the charity and to ensure its success. This campaign is particularly important at this time of the year because reports of domestic violence tend to increase dramatically during the holiday season. As the member for Newtown said, we all get a lovely warm fuzzy feeling when we do something tangible to help someone experiencing domestic violence. We like to know that we are improving their life and making them feel nurtured, and that is a noble goal. However, we as legislators have a greater responsibility. Whether we are in government or in opposition, we as parliamentarians have a responsibility to reduce the number of women who are homeless as a result of domestic violence. I am sorry to say that this Government has failed in that regard. We can do all the feel-good things we want, but it is vital that we address homelessness. I urge every member who has a collection point in their electorate office to write to the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault telling her about the victims of domestic violence who come into their office who are struggling with homelessness.

Many women come into my office with stories about losing their job, their children missing school, and a raft of other problems because of the violence perpetrated against them. They have ongoing health and dental conditions and psychological issues because of the trauma that they have experienced. That trauma will have lifelong implications for them and their children. If participating in this campaign is the most we can do, we have a problem. The Government must make a commitment to provide housing, counselling, case management support and legal services. I know work is being done, but there is always more that can be done. It is wonderful that all members support the Share the Dignity campaign, but victims of domestic violence need more than a handbag.

Ms TANYA DAVIES (MulgoaMinister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing) (12:35:51):

— I thank the member for Camden for moving this motion, for his involvement in Share the Dignity's "It's in the Bag" campaign, and for drawing it to the attention of the House. The member is proud of his efforts and he sent me a photograph yesterday of one day's collection of handbags in his electorate. He is doing an outstanding job and I thank him for his leadership on this issue. I am proud to stand with my parliamentary colleagues in championing the needs of women and children who are subjected to domestic and family violence. I thank Share the Dignity for finding a tangible and practical solution to address the immediate needs of women in this distressing situation. I urge members who have not yet joined the campaign to do so. As members of Parliament, we have incredible networks in our communities and beyond that we can mobilise. We know business owners, and the presidents and secretaries of many sporting organisations and community groups. A simple text message, a Facebook post or a phone call can generate many more bags for women in need.

A little over a week ago I was at my local Kmart and had my phone in my hand with the Share the Dignity page on the screen. I was reading through the list of items I could put in the handbag that I intended to purchase. Serendipitously, I ran into the Penrith Panthers operations and community relations manager, Tiffany Serra, whom I have met a number of times in my work in the community. I told her that I was purchasing a handbag and products to put in it for the Share the Dignity campaign and I asked whether Penrith Panthers would consider participating. Gus Gould, the general manager, has donated a handbag—probably not his own—as have the chief executive officer Corey Payne and his family, the head coach, and the government relations team. Some of the Penrith Panthers players and their wives are also preparing their donations.

I met with one person and that ripple effect is going to make a difference to so many more women through the provision of these important products. I make a call to the National Rugby League, football, netball and other sports teams; the business community; not-for-profit organisations; mums and dads; and everyone else who hears the words will grab a handbag and throw some important sanitary products in it. I have gone further and have bought perfume, a hairbrush, hand cream, soaps, face wash, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, and a whole package of beautifully presented items for this handbag, which I hope a special lady will receive. My heart goes out to her. This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to come together over something that is simple but so powerful. I urge everyone to get on board and make a difference to the lives of these wonderful women and their families.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (12:39:23):

By leave: I commend Share the Dignity for its mission of ensuring that no woman suffers the indignity of having to choose between buying food and sanitary items. The Share the Dignity campaign provides sanitary products to homeless women and women in refuges who cannot afford to purchase those products. My electorate office has been a collection point for the Share the Dignity campaign for more than two years. It is one of many grassroots campaigns that we support. My electorate office has been assisted by many local organisations, such as the Oatley Lions Club, the Lions Club of Lugarno, the Georges River Lioness Club, Mortdale Public School Parents and Citizens Association, the Mortdale Probus Club, Oatley Probus Club, One Hand One Heart and Narwee Creative Craft, in collecting much-needed sanitary items.

Share the Dignity provides some relief to women at risk. Sanitary products should not be considered luxuries. They are essential products that half the population needs multiple times a day for several days each month for approximately 30 years. As previously stated, domestic and family violence is one of the biggest causes of homelessness in New South Wales and in Australia. This is a disturbing trend, as is the increase in the rates of women experiencing physical and sexual violence in New South Wales over the past five years. The New South Wales Government does not tolerate violence against women in any form. We are committed to a whole- of- government and whole-of-community approach to prevent sexual assault from happening in the first place, to improving how the community and the service systems responds to people who have experienced sexual violence, and to improving the way people who perpetrate sexual violence are held responsible and accountable.

While the New South Wales Government is committed to addressing the problems of violence against women and homelessness, women living in violent relationships often leave their homes without taking necessary items, such as sanitary products. I commend Share the Dignity. This is not the first time I have spoken in the House about the Share the Dignity campaign. As I said, my electorate office has been a collection point for the past two years. A number of organisations in my community, including Lions, Probus and Rotary, have assisted in our office being a collection point. It is an unfortunate and important issue. I ask other members in this Chamber who have not had the opportunity to sign up to the Share the Dignity campaign to get behind this cause and to put a pink bin in their electorate office to use as a collection point. There are a number of Share the Dignity campaigns throughout the year. The November and December campaign is for things such as handbags and sanitary items and in the early part of the year there is a campaign for sanitary items and some clothing items. It is an important organisation to get behind.

Mr JIHAD DIB (Lakemba) (12:44:05):

By leave: I commend the member for Camden for bringing this important matter to the attention of the House. A long line of members wish to speak to the motion—some will not get the chance to do so—and it is clear that we share the belief that charity makes our society a much better place. The sole purpose of the thousands and thousands of charities in Australia is to make somebody's life better and to improve someone's lot in any way they can. Some are more successful than others and some are more practical than others. The Share the Dignity campaign is only two years old yet its impact has been quite phenomenal. The reason is that it affects everybody in some way. Everybody understands the importance of dignity and of hygiene. As the member for Oatley mentioned, this is not a luxury item but something that people need. It is important that we do all we can to assist in providing such items.

I commend the member for Oatley for his call to others members. Members on both sides of the House have collection points in their offices or run their own programs. On our side of the House there are campaigns for people to bring in handbags and personal hygiene items that might go a long way to helping someone. As the member for Maitland touched on, while it is important to have these reactive measures, we must consider the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to make sure we do whatever we can to support women in the most difficult of circumstances. I appreciate that the Minister is in the Chamber, and the shadow Minister also raised that point. We must do everything we can to address this crucial issue. I encourage members to visit the Share the Dignity website. One part of that website shares people's stories. No-one chooses to have their life turn out badly, and there is a story about a homeless lady's experiences in life and the difference that can be made by someone giving her a handbag that contained sanitary items, hygiene products and deodorant. People need the basic necessities in life.

The lady in question did not even realise that she was talking to somebody who was part of the Share the Dignity campaign. The story makes the point that, while we do not know whom we are helping, it makes the world of difference to them. It might be some simple sanitary and personal hygiene products, but it can give someone the confidence in themselves to get up, start the day and face the world when everything else around them is horrible and difficult. It can be the one little thing that helps. It is one easy thing we can do. In my capacity as shadow Minister for Education, I acknowledge the number of schools that have participated in this campaign. My kids' school participates in it, as do schools across the State. There is something special about young people understanding that dignity is important and doing whatever they can to help.

This is an outstanding campaign and I encourage everyone to get involved, whether it is though their Christmas collections, a donation, or through spending some of their own money. The little things that we can to do to make the world a better place may seem small to us but can mean the world to somebody else. I commend the member for Camden for bringing this matter to the attention of the House.

Ms Felicity Wilson:

I seek leave to contribute to the debate.

Leave not granted.