Massive public demonstrations calling for stricter laws regarding gender-based violence took place in several Australian towns over the weekend, drawing attention to the problem as a serious national emergency.

The recent incident in Sydney’s Westfield retail mall at Bondi Junction, which claimed six lives and was purportedly directed at women, highlighted how urgent the problem is.

This episode, along with others, has sparked a passionate public and political debate on the need for structural reform, emphasizing not only victim support but also prevention and tougher punishment for offenders.

Amid these demonstrations, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the violence against women as an “epidemic.”

He acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and declared that an immediate national cabinet meeting would be held to discuss it exclusively.

To improve security and concentrate on deterring offenders, Albanese underlined the necessity of a coordinated strategy from all governmental bodies.

Government’s Stance on Gendered Violence

At the Canberra rally, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the need for societal change to better protect women and prevent violence.

He noted that while protestors called for the violence against women to be declared a national emergency, a term usually reserved for natural disasters.

Albanese stressed the need for ongoing, long-term action as opposed to band-aid solutions.

The notion of forming a royal commission to look into gender-based violence has been rejected by federal attorney general Mark Dreyfus, despite the prime minister’s outspoken support for tackling the issue as a serious, ongoing concern.

The public and campaigners calling for meaningful and obvious reforms have responded to this judgment in different ways.

Public Engagement

Large crowds attended the rallies in major cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

The rally in Sydney turned into a march with thousands of participants, resulting in the closing of many downtown streets as a show of support and a call for change.

About 3,000 demonstrators gathered at the parliament building in Adelaide, expressing their dissatisfaction and calling for swift action across the country.

Widespread Support and Advocacy

Many politicians have backed the protests, including Senator Sarah Hanson-Young of the Green Party, who called for a national emergency to address the situation head-on.

The constant platitudes and lack of significant action against those who commit gender-based violence have left both public figures and protestors exhausted.

In Australia, there has long been a problem with gender-based violence. Large-scale protests against sexual misbehavior at the highest levels of government took place across the country in 2021, highlighting a persistent and pervasive issue.

Such protests are a constant reminder of the need for change and the urgency of finding effective solutions to these severe societal problems.