Claire Mallinson, National Director of Amnesty International Australia, commemorated International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today with a petition presentation to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Housing and the Status of Women.

The petition of 30,000 signatures calls for a National Plan of Action to address the issue of violence against women. In Australia, 57 per cent of women have experienced physical and / or sexual violence.

Amnesty International has welcomed the Government’s commitment to such a plan, a draft of which is currently being developed by the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children.

"Violence against women is the most widespread human rights abuse in the world," said Ms Mallinson.

"In Australia, it is a national problem that needs a national solution. The plan must take a comprehensive approach at all levels of Government - Federal, State and territory - and across portfolios. Short-term initiatives at different levels of government have proven inadequate in addressing the problems.

"Australia’s plan should lead the world in good practice. Amnesty International’s research shows that without substantial funding plans fail. We call on the government in the 2009 budget to ensure significant and on-going funding is committed to the plan."

Average spending by European countries on national plans targeted to violence against women is about $14,000 per 10,000 people annually. The Australian approach in 2007 appeared to total less than two thirds of this average - roughly $9,300 per 10,000 people annually. The Republic of Ireland currently allocates the greatest level of funding at $62,570 per 10,000 people annually.

Amnesty International welcomed Australia’s formal move yesterday to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).