I rise tonight to address the issue of domestic violence in Australia.

Nine years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly declared that November 25, would be observed as the international day for the elimination of violence against women, with the white ribbon becoming the global symbol of solidarity.

Moved jointly by Senator Scott Ludlam and Senator Hanson-Young.

That the Senate

(a) notes that:
(i) today marks the ninth anniversary of White Ribbon Day, the symbol of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women;
(ii) White Ribbon Day marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, a global event calling on action to end violence against women;

Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (4.04 pm) - I, and also on behalf of Senator Hanson-Young, move:

That the Senate -

(a) notes that:

(i) 25 November 2008 marks the 9th anniversary of White Ribbon Day, the symbol of the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and

(ii) White Ribbon Day marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, a global event calling on action to end violence against women;

(b) recognises:

The Australian Greens today outlined their vision for Australia in the new century ahead of the opening of the Balance-of-Power Senate.

Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, said a record 1.17 million people voted Greens at the last election, and the five Greens Senators were ready to work constructively with all parties to respond to the challenges of the new century.

"Pollution, poverty, discrimination and the destruction of Australia's forests and precious environments are the legacy of the last century and decades of greed and inaction."

The Greens today announced plans to ban alcohol advertising in Australia.

“Alcohol significantly contributes to assaults, accidents and
suicides and the World Health Organisation considers that alcohol has a
similar impact on human health to tobacco,” Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens
Senate candidate for SA said today.

“Australia long ago banned tobacco advertising and sponsorship of
sporting and cultural events. The Greens will apply the same
restrictions to alcohol advertising,” Ms Hanson-Young said.