Question Time AU

General Debate

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Nicolette Boele raised concerns about the ongoing crisis of violence against women, citing recent femicide statistics and the disproportionate impact on Indigenous women. She argued that while numerous inquiries have generated recommendations, there is a significant implementation gap, with governments failing to act decisively. Boele highlighted rising misogynistic attitudes among young men, linking them to unregulated social media algorithms, and called for stronger digital duty of care legislation. She also criticised the lack of government funding for frontline services, noting that charities are filling the gap left by public underfunding.

Outcome

The debate concluded without a vote or formal motion result as it was a grievance debate allowing members to raise issues.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Nicolette Boele (Bradfield) (Independent) Ind

Boele argued that violence against women remains a persistent crisis, with 49 women and 19 children killed this year according to Australian Femicide Watch. Boele stated that despite over 1,000 recommendations from various inquiries, there is an implementation gap rather than a knowledge gap, with governments failing to act on expert advice. Boele cited a University of Melbourne study showing increased hostile attitudes towards women among Gen Z men, identifying misogyny as a key driver of violent extremism. Boele called for the recognition of misogyny within the national counter-extremism framework and urged stronger regulation of social media platforms to protect young people from harmful content. Boele supported the principle of digital duty of care legislation but criticised the government's social media ban for under-16s as ineffective, advocating instead for an opt-in algorithmic feed mechanism. Boele also highlighted the funding shortfall for frontline services, noting that Mary's House had to rely on philanthropy after government funding was insufficient to meet rising demand.