❓ Mrs. Hayden questions the Minister about John Setka's comments and Christy Cain's defense, urging the Minister to condemn their actions and sever ties with the CFMMEU. The Minister responds by condemning Setka's actions and reaffirming support for Rosie Batty and efforts to combat domestic violence.
AnsweredQoN 505Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
JOHN SETKA AND CHRISTY
CAIN
505. Mrs A.K. HAYDEN to the Minister for Prevention of
Family and Domestic Violence:
Before I ask my question, on behalf
of the member for Nedlands, I would like to acknowledge the year 6 students and
teachers from Nedlands Primary School.
I refer to the appalling comments by
John Setka about Rosie Batty and the vocal defence by Christy Cain. Will the
minister stand up for women and against bullying by calling on the Premier and
WA Labor to sever all contact with the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining
and Energy Union?
CAIN
505. Mrs A.K. HAYDEN to the Minister for Prevention of
Family and Domestic Violence:
Before I ask my question, on behalf
of the member for Nedlands, I would like to acknowledge the year 6 students and
teachers from Nedlands Primary School.
I refer to the appalling comments by
John Setka about Rosie Batty and the vocal defence by Christy Cain. Will the
minister stand up for women and against bullying by calling on the Premier and
WA Labor to sever all contact with the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining
and Energy Union?
AnswerView source ↗
I have made public comment about Mr
Setka. I did it on social media and The West Australian reported it. I made
the comments that The West reported on last week in response to calls
from, I understand, a Victorian trade union official, and backed up by Christy
Cain of the WA branch of the Maritime Union of Australia for members of the
government to be audited for possible domestic violence offences. That was a question
I was asked. My response was that I did not think that it served anyone for
domestic violence to be considered a plaything or a tool or some sort of stunt
in political or public life at all. It is far too serious. For that reason, I was
concerned when I saw Mr Setka's charges, which I understand he is going
to plead guilty to. They are very serious allegations that were made, and I think
they are before the courts at the moment, so we will let that play out. I was
also concerned, as many were, at criticism of Rosie Batty, who is someone I have
had a relationship with since becoming a member. I, along with Rio Tinto,
hosted her on a trip to Western Australia, and she also spoke at the Labor
Party conference a couple of years ago. She has been a fantastic advocate on
behalf of victims of domestic violence. She challenges governments across each
state and federally—and the community—to step up and do
something about domestic violence. I do not think anyone should be protected
from criticism about aggression against women or children in defence of
domestic violence. We often have to stand up, even when it is uncomfortable. It
is something that we have to do in government and all the community has to do
if we are going to put an end to these high rates of domestic violence in our
community.
Setka. I did it on social media and The West Australian reported it. I made
the comments that The West reported on last week in response to calls
from, I understand, a Victorian trade union official, and backed up by Christy
Cain of the WA branch of the Maritime Union of Australia for members of the
government to be audited for possible domestic violence offences. That was a question
I was asked. My response was that I did not think that it served anyone for
domestic violence to be considered a plaything or a tool or some sort of stunt
in political or public life at all. It is far too serious. For that reason, I was
concerned when I saw Mr Setka's charges, which I understand he is going
to plead guilty to. They are very serious allegations that were made, and I think
they are before the courts at the moment, so we will let that play out. I was
also concerned, as many were, at criticism of Rosie Batty, who is someone I have
had a relationship with since becoming a member. I, along with Rio Tinto,
hosted her on a trip to Western Australia, and she also spoke at the Labor
Party conference a couple of years ago. She has been a fantastic advocate on
behalf of victims of domestic violence. She challenges governments across each
state and federally—and the community—to step up and do
something about domestic violence. I do not think anyone should be protected
from criticism about aggression against women or children in defence of
domestic violence. We often have to stand up, even when it is uncomfortable. It
is something that we have to do in government and all the community has to do
if we are going to put an end to these high rates of domestic violence in our
community.
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