MEDIA RELEASE
1 May 2025
Tina Brown: Violence Against Women Is a National Emergency — Immediate Federal Action Required
Independent candidate for Berowra, Tina Brown, is today calling on the Prime Minister and all federal leaders to take immediate and extraordinary action to address the escalating epidemic of violence against women in Australia.
“This is not just an epidemic — it is a national emergency. And it must be treated like one,” Ms Brown said.
“Dozens of women have been killed so far this year. That’s more than one woman a week. Thousands more are living in fear, fleeing their homes, or suffering in silence. We did not hesitate to use the full powers of the Commonwealth during COVID — and we must do the same now.”
Ms Brown is urging the Prime Minister to immediately advise the Governor-General to declare a national emergency under the National Emergency Declaration Act 2020, which allows the Federal Government to take direct action in times of national crisis.
“The Prime Minister has acknowledged the epidemic, but words are no longer enough. We need urgent, coordinated, nationwide intervention — backed by real funding and the full power of government,” Ms Brown said.
She is calling for an initial injection of at least $1.5 billion — the equivalent of $10 million per electorate — to immediately bolster frontline domestic violence services, refuge accommodation, policing, mental health support, and primary prevention programs.
“To put this in perspective — the federal government spent $2 billion on sporting stadiums in the lead-up to recent state and federal elections. Billions more go into elite sport and sponsorship deals. We’re not saying sport doesn’t matter — but it cannot be funded at the expense of women’s lives. If we can find billions for stadiums, we can find $1.5 billion to stop women being murdered.”
“This money must start flowing now — not in six months, not in the next Budget cycle. Just as we did during COVID, emergency powers allow the federal government to act within days. That is what women and children across this country deserve,” she said.
“We have the legal tools. We have the budget capacity. What’s missing is the political will.”
Ms Brown also highlighted the urgent need for increased services in the Berowra electorate.
“Berowra’s reported rates of domestic violence are far too high, and the statistics do not reflect the true extent of the issue. Many cases go unreported due to stigma and lack of accessible support services. Our community lacks sufficient refuge spaces, counselling services, and legal support for victims,” she said.
“We must ensure that every woman in Berowra has access to the help she needs. This requires immediate investment in local services and infrastructure.”
Ms Brown also warned against politicising the issue.
“This is not about left or right. It’s about right and wrong. This is about protecting lives — and acting like the national leadership we need is more than a press conference and a promise.”
Media contact: Georgia 0409 025 544