John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I, too, welcome the Minister to the House to introduce this timely and necessary Bill. Trends in recent years clearly indicate an increase in the incidence of domestic violence at this time of year. I agree with the Minister that the Bill is aimed specifically at restoring the power to put barring orders in place ex parte in a manner which conforms to constitutional requirements. Equally, it is a necessary and welcome Bill because we cannot continue as we are as a result of the Supreme Court ruling in this regard last October.

We are legislators have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable in society. We must introduce whatever laws are necessary to ensure that protection. We have all heard the term, "street angel and house devil", something so apparent in the area of domestic violence. It is not just the two parties involved in domestic violence who are under threat during such incidents; the children and extended families also suffer the consequences. The effect on children is long term. There is evidence to suggest that children who come from violent backgrounds go on to become perpetrators of similar violence in their adult life. They do not conform to or play a full role in society because their upbringing was affected by domestic violence.

Domestic violence is not confined to spouses or partners. The growing number of applications to District Courts for barring orders against adult children by elderly parents is alarming. We are faced with a situation where adult children, as a result of alcohol or drug abuse, are becoming violent in the home towards their elderly parents. That point is often missed in debates such as this. Elderly parents are being forced to seek barring orders against their adult children. We need to highlight this problem and remain conscious of it because there are enormous social implications for everyone. Our elderly people deserve to be protected in every way.

A number of provisions contained in the Bill need to be put on the record if for no other reason than to alert Members to the facts and statistics surrounding domestic violence. It would be remiss to think domestic violence is confined to women; a percentage of men suffer it also. We need to acknowledge that fact and ensure we afford them similar protection.