Responding to the announcement today of $230 million extra package of funding for domestic violence in NSW Parliament, Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan has welcomed the announcement but asked for "less politics and more action".
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"Today we heard some positive things from the government, but I'm sick of the politics on this matter," she said.
"The motions should be looked at on their merit from any person and any party.
"Even if it prevents one death, it's worth it. We will not ever know who we save, but that is better than knowing who we did not," Ms Hannan said.
The NSW Government's $230 million emergency package to enhance support for domestic, family and sexual violence victim-survivors includes $48 million to roll out the Staying Home Leaving Violence program across the state, including to Wingecarribee and Wollondilly.
Ms Hannan says the program empowers victim-survivors and children to be safe from violence while maintaining stability in the security of their own home.
However, she says more is needed.
"Staying Home Leaving Violence is a great option but there needs to be a full range of support," Ms Hannan said.
That includes both extra policing and a domestic violence shelter for the electorate.
"I have written to the minister asking for both ... a number of times and in a number of ways the past year, most recently as a budget request sent in April," Ms Hannan said.
"We need this service today and as the population grows ... we will need more services, not less.
"I do not care where the legislation comes from. I do not care if it comes from Labor, the Liberals, The Nationals or The Greens. The legislation should be considered on its merits.
"On such an important issue, we should work together to achieve every measure that must be taken and do everything we can do," she said.
Speaking before NSW Parliament Ms Hannan said she supported the suspension of standing orders.
"I do so in the knowledge that everybody plays politics in this place," Ms Hannan said.
"I really wish they would not."
Ms Hannan pointed at the Coalition and The Greens not showing up for the joint announcement and said "that was wrong". She also said the government not wanting to deal with this matter raised by the NSW Liberals was also wrong.
Even if it prevents one death, it's worth it. We will not ever know who we save, but that is better than knowing who we did not.
- Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan
"It is such an important issue," Ms Hannan said.
"I am happy to support the motion. I want all members to stop supporting their party rooms and instead start supporting the women affected.
"It is not about us. It is about the people out there without a voice and the people who are at home right now who cannot leave, who are afraid of their partners returning this evening. It is about the people who cannot speak up and are afraid. It is about the one woman who dies every few days and all the other women who are sitting there terrified and whose children are vomiting because they are worried about going to school. We need to do something right now," she said.
Ms Hannan said all she cared about was "doing the right thing for our community".
"I was elected to always vote with my conscience," she said.
"We can agree on what is not acceptable. We need to do something right now for the people out there who are under threat.
"Who here has not had a resident come to them with concerns about their life, needing shelter or help, or who just needs us to be there because they cannot come to terms with what they live with?
"Who here is unaware of the current statistics? My community may be different from others. We need to start thinking more broadly and more openly," Ms Hannan said.
In closing Ms Hannan compelled members to "think hard" on this issue.
Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; National Elder Abuse 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)
