Monday 1 March 2021

Three years since first raising the issue, Shadow Minister for Women Nicole Lawder MLA expressed disappointment that the ACT Government’s target for women feeling safe at night in public places is a measly 40%.

“It is frustrating, that after raising this issue three years ago in estimates hearings the Minister and I are again revisiting the same debate.” Shadow Minister for Women Nicole Lawder said.

“The Minister’s argument that this target is reflective of the national statistics for women feeling safe at night doesn’t stack up. This isn’t Sydney or Melbourne; Canberra is a smaller, city and should be aiming higher when it comes to women’s safety.”

“Perhaps the Minster should focus more on working with her colleague Minister Steel to fix the broken streetlights, reduce the walking times for public transport users and improve basic local services. Research shows women feel less safe in areas of poor lighting, litter, and graffiti and with little community police presence. Practical and simple measures must be taken to help women feel safe at night in public places.”