MEDIA RELEASE 5 December 2025
Shadow Attorney-General and Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, has called for urgent, coordinated national action to prevent family and domestic violence following his attendance at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Family Violence Prevention Forum in Melbourne today.
Hosted by Chief Justice Will Alstergren AO, the forum brought together leaders across sport, business, media, academia, frontline services and the legal profession to focus on early intervention, prevention and cultural change. The Court outlined the growing scale of the crisis it faces, including the rise of high-risk family violence matters from 38 percent a decade ago to 70 percent today.
Mr Wallace said the evidence presented throughout the day reinforced the depth of the challenge.
“The statistics are devastating. One in four women experience violence by a partner or family member, one in ten men report the same, and three in ten Australian families experience violence in some form. These are not numbers on a page. They are people, families and communities living with fear and trauma.”
The Court also highlighted alarming national trends, including:
- One woman killed every four days, one child every 11 days, and one man every month as a result of family and domestic violence
- Around 120,000 Australian men beginning to use violence for the first time each year, and
- One in three men reporting having used intimate partner violence
Mr Wallace said these figures underline the urgency of prevention and the need for men to be part of the solution.
“We heard powerful testimony from advocates, researchers and leaders across sport and business. The message was consistent. Men must step up, be allies, and model the behaviours we need to see in boys and young men.”
The forum program included contributions from the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin, Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly, Australian Sports Commission Chair Kate Jenkins AO, The Men’s Project, Movember researchers, Beyond DV and others, all presenting evidence on the drivers of violence and the interventions that work.
Mr Wallace participated in roundtable discussions exploring practical ways leaders and individuals can drive change, including mentoring programs, early education for boys, and building safe spaces where men can ask questions and challenge harmful norms.
“Cultural change starts early. It starts in schools, clubs and workplaces. It starts with teaching boys what respect looks like and giving men the tools to support one another and call out harmful attitudes. Prevention is not only possible, but also essential.”
The Court also showcased its Family Violence – It’s Just Not On! national campaign, developed with the AFL and NRL. The campaign reached hundreds of thousands of Australians during the 2025 finals series, demonstrating the impact of targeted, values-based messaging in settings where young men are receptive and engaged.
Mr Wallace said the Coalition remains committed to supporting evidence-based prevention initiatives and ensuring national coordination.
“Today reinforced that this crisis demands leadership at every level. The Court is doing its part. Community organisations are doing theirs. But we need a sustained national effort grounded in evidence, accountability and prevention.”
Mr Wallace thanked Chief Justice Alstergren for convening the forum and acknowledged the cross-sector commitment shown throughout the day.
“We owe it to every woman, man and child living with violence now, and to every young person who deserves a safer future, to treat this with the seriousness it demands.”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
