State MPs for Auburn and Granville, Lynda Voltz and Julia Finn, joined a Sydney ‘March 4 Justice’ rally held as part of the national day of action against sexism, misogyny, domestic and family violence and both say more needs to be done.
While about 8,000 sexual offences against children and the 6,000 sexual assaults against adults were reported to NSW Police last year, Ms Voltz said only 10 percent of cases went before the courts and of those, only 10 percent ended with a conviction.
She said it was time for the NSW Government to act on changes to the Crimes Act around consent.
“Women are asking for changes to consent laws, the NSW Police Commissioner wants changes to consent laws and the Law Reform Commission has recommended them,” she said.
“Women are marching as they are not being given due consideration by the justice system and change is long overdue.”
Ms Finn said recent media reporting on issues around sexual assault and misconduct had been “confronting for a lot of us”.
She also said she had spoken to the Attorney-General about the current review of sexual assault laws and looked forward to the Government “bringing something to the NSW Parliament soon”.
“Sexual assault is a widespread, serious crime but it is not being taken seriously enough,” she said.
”Women should feel safe at home, at work and in public places.”
