GOVERNMENT is doing enough to address domestic violence issues in Fiji.
This was the sentiment expressed by the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau when he ruled a petition presented by suspended Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya could not be tabled in Parliament.
The Speaker said he received a petition from Ms Tabuya on March 3 where she called for parliamentary inquiry into the steps Fiji needed to take to effectively address domestic violence.
Ratu Epeli said the petition failed to meet the requirements as stipulated in Standing Orders 37.
“I note that this petition does not request a clear action to be taken by Parliament,” he said.
“The petition seeks an inquiry under what appears to be the presumption that Parliament itself will recommend the actions to be taken to address domestic violence in Fiji.
“The legislature through the Domestic Violence Act 2009 has set out a legal framework for addressing domestic violence in Fiji.
“Furthermore, the Government has also sought to address this issue through the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Women’s Plan of Action, Domestic Violence Helpline, no drop policy and other policy initiatives which have been discussed in Parliament through ministerial statements, motions, questions and reports.
“The Office of the Auditor General in August of last year, submitted a performance audit report to the Speaker of Parliament on the co-ordination of actions for the elimination of violence against women with specific and comprehensive recommendations for improvement.
“These actions are the clear specific ways in which violence against women has been addressed thus far.”
