In May 2008 the Government established an 11-member National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, under the leadership of Ms Libby Lloyd AM.
The Council’s task was to provide the Government with advice on the development of an evidence-based National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.
The Council, with the support of the Government, conducted significant research to assess the existing evidence, the operation of legal systems and the economic cost of violence against women.
The Council also consulted with more than 2,000 Australians—survivors of violence; perpetrators of violence; educators; service providers; people living in rural and remote areas; members of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities; women with disabilities; members of the judiciary; representatives of the State and Territory Governments; and, members of the public.
The Council developed five documents for the Government:
- Time for Action: The National Council’s Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, 2009–2021;
- A Snapshot to Time for Action;
- Background Paper to Time for Action;
- The Cost of Violence Against Women and their Children; and
- An Analysis of Domestic Violence Laws in Australia.
Time for Action contains the Council’s recommendations for a National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women to be developed and agreed by COAG. It is an extensive report with findings that relate to the responsibilities of all governments and the community. Time for Action recommends that the Australian Government take leadership on a long-term plan to reduce violence against women. The report identifies six key outcome areas, proposes strategies and actions in each area and identifies 20 high-priority actions.