‘Range of Premiers approached me’: Albo insists DV crisis talks high on agenda
Bail reform will be high on the agenda when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convenes national cabinet for emergency talks on the domestic violence crisis.
Mr Albanese confirmed the issue was a priority for Wednesday’s snap meeting as he sought to defuse a row with the organiser of Canberra’s “no more” rally calling for an end to violence against women.
The Prime Minister told the emotion-charged rally outside Parliament House on Sunday afternoon that he had been denied permission to speak at the event — a claim organiser Sarah Williams described as a “flat-out lie”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Responding to the claim on Monday morning, Mr Albanese told the Today Show “it was an emotional day for people and I get that”.
In a separate interview on ABC television, he wished Sarah well and praised her for organising the rally.
Mr Albanese confirmed State Premiers asked him to convene an emergency national cabinet as pressure mounts on all governments to do more to tackle the scourge of domestic violence.
At least 27 women have allegedly been killed by men in Australia so far this year.
Mr Albanese said there needed to be a discussion about the role of the courts, saying it was “no wonder that people were frustrated” when a man allegedly killed their partner while on bail for domestic violence offences.
He confirmed bail laws would be on the agenda at Wednesday’s meeting.
The NSW Government has already ordered an urgent review of bail laws after the alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst at the hands of her ex-partner, who was on bail facing charges of raping and stalking her.
“The laws, legal enforcements, the courts, community services by and large, are run by State and Territory governments,” Mr Albanese told The Today Show.
“And that’s why a range of the Premiers approached me and asked for a special meeting.
“We’re doing that on Wednesday morning and we’ll be discussing what practical measures we can take to make a difference on this issue.
“You can’t solve it overnight.”
