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Released 27/02/2025

ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne has today announced the appointment of Ms Amy Begley as a new magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court, replacing Magistrate Robert Cook.

Magistrate Begley brings extensive experience in legal practice, having most recently served as the Head of Practice for the Early Intervention Legal Practice at Legal Aid ACT. In this role, she was responsible for the leadership, management, and strategic direction of various services, including the Family Violence and Personal Protection unit, Family Law Duty Service, and the Health Justice Partnership.

“The appointment of Amy Begley as a magistrate will ensure the ACT Magistrates Court can continue its timely and efficient delivery of justice to Canberrans,”

“I am very pleased that a legal practitioner of Ms Begley’s calibre will join the ACT Magistrates Court,” said the Attorney-General.

“She brings considerable and diverse experience to her new role, having worked in a range of roles within the ACT’s justice system.”

Ms Begley has a strong background in family violence law, having previously served as the Head of Practice of Legal Aid ACT’s Early Intervention Legal Practice. She has also worked as a prosecutor at the ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she conducted trials, appeals, and summary hearings in both the ACT Supreme Court and Magistrates Court.

The new magistrate holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts, and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the ANU, where she has lectured over the past decade in criminal and evidence law. She was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in the ACT in 2006.

Ms Begley will start her new role on 17 March 2025.

Quote attributable to Amy Begley, incoming ACT Magistrate:

“I am delighted and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Canberra community in this role.”

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 26/02/2025

Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Dr Marisa Paterson has welcomed $780,626 in funding from the Federal Government to conduct a trial to work with men from multicultural backgrounds who perpetrate domestic and family violence.

The ACT Government is partnering with Multicultural Hub Canberra (mHub) to develop a trial program providing services to perpetrators of domestic and family violence. The trial aims to achieve positive and lasting behaviour change for perpetrators while ensuring victim-survivors and their families are supported. The trial opened for referrals last year with service delivery commencing in early 2025.

Funding for the trial is provided under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27, with a total $3.37 million available to the ACT to undertake innovative approaches to address perpetrator behaviour. All trials using this investment will be evaluated to identify what works to support perpetrators to stop using violence.

The ACT Government engaged SEQURE Consulting Pty Ltd led by Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon and Dr Hayley Boxall to undertake a scoping study to understand what services and systems already exist in the ACT, what works well in other jurisdictions, and what programs could be trialled in the ACT to complement existing programs. The scoping study is now publicly available.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:

‘The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 recognises that ending gender-based is a whole-of-society effort and requires engagement from men and boys from a variety of backgrounds.

‘The National Plan also acknowledges cultures can differ in their attitudes towards gender roles, relationships, and family dynamics, which can impact the way gender-based violence is perceived.

‘That is why the Government has introduced and funded multiple preventative and early intervention initiatives like the Multicultural Hub Canberra across the country to engage men and boys.’

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Marisa Paterson:

‘The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 recognises the multicultural community has specific support needs that are better addressed through specialised strategies and programs.

‘The funding from the Commonwealth government provides significant support in helping us address the existing gap in culturally appropriate responses to domestic and family violence.

‘The program will provide individual support to men who are at risk of using or who are using domestic and family violence, with a view to future engagement in a group program. Support also includes crisis accommodation for perpetrators who need to leave the family home to de-escalate a situation, and culturally appropriate services to support victim-survivors.

‘This is an opportunity to hold perpetrators responsible for their behaviour and support them to stop using violence.’

Quotes attributable to Zakia Patel, Regional Director Multicultural Hub Canberra

‘We welcome the commitment of all Australian Governments to strengthening positive measures to combat family and domestic violence in the multicultural community.

‘People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds contend with language barriers, cultural and societal differences, which can become an obstacle to getting support in domestic and family violence situations.

‘This innovative approach, which supports behaviour change in perpetrators in language and in culture, removes a critical barrier to participation. Our goal is to design a program that meets the specific cultural needs of our community to lead to lasting change as well as protecting people at risk of family and domestic violence.’

If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence, please know you are not alone and help is available.

Support Services Contacts

Local  supports

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
Who: Anyone impacted by domestic, and family violence
Ph: 02 9280 0900
W: dvcs.org.au

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual violence
Ph: 02 6247 2525
W: crcc.org.au

Multicultural Hub Canberra
Who: Anyone with a multicultural background
Ph: 02 6100 4611
W: mhub.org.au

Victim Support ACT (VSACT) including VSACT specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach program
Ph: 1800 8222 72 or 02 6205 2222
W: victimsupport.act.gov.au

ACT Policing
Who:Anyone who requires police assistance.
Ph: 131 444
Please call 000 if you are in immediate danger
W: police.act.gov.au/online-services

24/7 Hotlines

1800 Respect
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence
Ph: 1800 737 732
W: 1800respect.org.au

Full Stop Australia
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence
Ph: 1800 385 578 (1800 FULL STOP)
W: fullstop.org.au

Lifeline
Who: Anyone who is feeling suicidal, overwhelmed, or having difficulty coping or staying safe
Ph: 13 11 14
W: lifeline.org.au

13YARN
Who: Anyone who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and who requires support for any reason.
Ph: 13 92 76
W: 13yarn.org.au

Legal Support

Women’s Legal Centre ACT
Ph: 02 6257 4377

Legal Aid ACT Family and Personal Violence Unit
Ph: 1300 654 314 or 02 6207 1874

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Family Violence Prevention Unit
Ph: 02 6120 8850

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

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It was while driving through Jeffcott in the state’s northwest, Captain Burke saw a semi-trailer carrying grain leave the road and crash into trees. 

Acting instinctively, he pulled over and ran toward the wreckage. 

“I saw the truck veer off and thought he was avoiding a bump, but then he kept going straight into the trees,” Captain Burke said. 

“The first thing I did was ring my brother James also a CFA member, who was only 6 minutes away. 

“He called 000 to alert emergency services.  

“As I approached the crash, my first thought was, ‘I need to find the driver.’ The door was pinned against a tree, but I heard him inside.” 

Finding the driver wedged between the seats, he realised the driver’s side door was blocked. 

“I had to tear away the bonnet, break the glass, and climb onto the engine bay to reach him,” he said. 

As he worked to free the driver, fire ignited near the rear of the cabin and spread quickly. 

“By the time I pulled him free, flames were spreading.” 

Despite sustaining lacerations, Captain Burke pulled the driver to safety through the broken windscreen. 

Not long after he had freed the driver, the truck was fully engulfed in flames. 

“James stayed on the phone to 000 and rendered first aid until paramedics arrived. Which allowed me to organise more CFA appliances to respond to the scene, as the fire was starting to get away.  

“Thankfully crews arrived quickly and were able to stop it spreading.” 

The driver was taken into the care of paramedics and has since made a full recovery. 

“You don’t think, you just do it. The priority was getting him out and making sure no one else was inside,” Captain Burke said.  

CFA District 18 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Wright praised Captain Burke’s actions. 

“He acted with incredible bravery under extreme pressure,” Gavin said.  

“His quick thinking and determination saved a life that day, and his actions are truly worthy of this recognition.” 

Upon receiving his award at Donald Fire Station on Saturday night, Captain Burke insisted he was just doing his job. 

“It’s humbling to receive this award, but my only thought was getting the driver out safely, I didn’t think about anything else,” he said. 

“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. If it were me in that truck, I’d hope someone would do the same. 

“It’s what we do as firefighters. We’re here to protect our communities, and that’s all I was trying to do.” 

Captain Burke is now one of just 19 recipients of the Chief Officer’s Commendation for Courage since its introduction in 2012. 

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Released 07/03/2025

ACT Corrective Services has implemented a comprehensive strategy to prevent, track, and respond to sexual coercion and violence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The new plan addresses a recommendation from an independent review, while also reaffirming the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, as well as upholding a safe environment for detainees and staff.

Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the strategy aimed to foster a safe, respectful environment for both detainees and staff.

“Sexual coercion or violence has no place in our correctional system. Our main objective of this strategy is to foster a correctional environment where everyone feels safe and respected, whether in our care or in our employment. This strategy is a crucial step in reaching that goal,” Dr Paterson said.

The strategy, Preventing, Tracking and Responding to Sexual Coercion and Violence in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, was developed in response to Recommendation 7 of the Inspector of Custodial Services’ Healthy Prison Review 2022. It is built on the principles of human rights, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing sexual coercion and violence within the correctional centre.

Dr Paterson said the strategy’s focus on prevention, response, and monitoring reflected a proactive approach to tackling sexual coercion and violence in all its forms.

“We are committed to preventing incidents of sexual coercion and violence through education, awareness, and early identification of risks. Staff are trained to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed, person-centred manner, ensuring that those in the care of corrective services receive the support they need,” she said.

The strategy includes several key initiatives:

• Conducting risk assessments during admission to ensure appropriate cell placement.
• Informing detainees about our zero-tolerance stance and the disciplinary process.
• Ensuring detainees are aware of supports available, including access to police and external reporting agencies.
• Offering information and awareness programs on sexual coercion and violence.
• Building staff capability to support detainees during disclosures with trauma-informed practices.
• Improving record-keeping and data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Holding perpetrators accountable and prompt disciplinary measures is a core principle of the strategy.

The strategy aligns with the ACT Government’s broader approach to addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence in the community. It represents a proactive and comprehensive effort to create a safer environment for all individuals within the correctional system.

Quotes attributable to Leanne Close, ACT Corrective Services Commissioner:

“ACT Corrective Services takes the issue of sexual coercion and violence very seriously. This strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with experts, staff and detainees, representing a modern, person-centred response to such incidents.

“We know that sexual coercion and violence are among the most underreported crimes in the general community. This is exacerbated in the correctional environment, where organisational and sub-cultural barriers can hinder disclosure.

“This strategy addresses those barriers and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to sexual coercion and violence. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and will review the effectiveness of our actions within 12 months of implementation.”

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 06/03/2025

An inspiring humanitarian leader who has advanced the status of women and girls in Canberra and around the world, Lauren Cannell, has been named the 2025 ACT Woman of the Year.

Mrs Cannell has been recognised for her work as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Educación Diversa, an international not-for-profit that empowers women and girls through innovative art-based educational programs, campaigns and projects.

Educación Diversa works with children and adolescents both here in the ACT and globally, teaching them about human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the elimination of violence in accessible ways. Mrs Cannell says her goal is to help young people reach their full potential while also helping to achieve gender equality.

“At Educación Diversa, we use art for accessibility. Typically, in underdeveloped countries, with kids who’ve experienced trauma and/or neglect, we use art as it heals neural pathways, and it means everyone can take part,” Mrs Cannell said.

“Most of us in the humanitarian sector don’t do this work for the recognition, we start our own not-for-profits because we see need. Being a finalist and having a platform to grow awareness is so important because it will help me to expand the program nationally and then internationally.”

Other award recipients include Jayanti Gupta, who has been named ACT Senior Woman of the Year, and Anjali Sharma, who has been named ACT Young Woman of the Year.

As the founder and presenter of the Gender Equity Matters program on 2XX FM, Mrs Gupta has used her platform to highlight issues and achievements relating to gender and women in the ACT. She is also the founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN), which delivers health and wellbeing workshops, as well as International Women’s Day events.

“Being nominated for the ACT Women’s Award is inspiring and motivates you to do more. Many other women have fought for the rights we have achieved today, so why not pass the good deeds around?” Mrs Gupta said.

Ms Sharma is a climate change activist and role model who has campaigned extensively for environmental reform and justice. She is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill, developing the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT.

“One of the goals of advocacy is to spread your message and to know that what you’re doing is reaching communities and people on the ground. While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working, which is an honour and a privilege,” Ms Sharma said.

The ACT Women’s Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT. Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, congratulated the award recipients as they were announced at the ACT Women’s Awards event held on 6 March in the lead up to International Women’s Day.

“Congratulations to the inspiring women who have had their names added to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll this year, and to all the finalists for their impressive work,” Minister Paterson said.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many exceptional leaders in the ACT dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls in our community.

“Achieving gender equality is a top priority for the ACT Government, and this can only be achieved through strong collaboration with non-government organisations, businesses, and the wider community. Awards like this, which recognise leadership in advancing the status of women and girls, are exceptionally important.”

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

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Released 03/03/2025 – Joint media release

Up to 7,500 households in the nation’s capital will benefit from bill busting energy upgrades, with the Albanese Government investing $12.9 million for rooftop solar and batteries across social housing in the ACT.

The program will bring down energy bills for good using Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to connect and combine renewable energy resources. By joining a VPP, households with solar panels and batteries can access savings on their energy bills.

This is lasting cost of living relief by ensuring some of the most vulnerable households are better insulated from bill shock, with homes that are fitted out to stay cool in the summer and warm in the cold Canberra winters.

The ACT Government will provide a greater weighting through the procurement process for products that are Australian made.

The new funding is part of the Commonwealth’s $500 million expansion of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) and will enable more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia – almost 25% of the country’s social housing stock – to save on energy bills and reduce emissions.

Upgrades delivered under the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative could save tenants around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“The Albanese Labor Government is bringing down bills for good through the renewable energy transformation.

“While Peter Dutton’s Coalition spruiks a $600 billion nuclear scheme that will prolong coal, make bills more expensive, risk blackouts and shrink our economy, we are delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:

“Every Australian deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.

“After the recent hot weather and knowing the challenge of winter is ahead, we’re reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lowering bills to some of the most vulnerable households.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Homes and New Suburbs Yvette Berry:

“Every Canberran should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

“Today’s announcement builds on our ongoing commitment to improve the comfort and energy affordability of public housing. Our new public housing builds maximise energy efficiency, including a 6-star energy rating and energy efficient appliances.

“The existing public housing stock is also being upgraded through the Home Energy Support Program, with ceiling insulation and or electrification upgrades already completed in over 2,500 properties since the program began in 2023.

“The latest SHEPI funding marks a further investment in public housing, that is critically important to our community’s overall economic and social wellbeing.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring no Canberrans are left behind as we transition to net zero. We welcome this significant further investment by the Australian Government which will see rooftop solar panels and batteries installed at thousands of social housing properties.

“These solar and battery systems will be operated as a Virtual Power Plant, delivering an innovative and long-term solution to reducing electricity costs and supporting grid reliability.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

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