Media Release: Gender Lens Needed on Proposed Cuts to Regional Library Hours

Gender Lens Needed on Proposed Cuts to Regional Library Hours

2 May 2024

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb has described the apparent plans to cut opening hours of regional libraries as an incredible policy disconnect.

“Libraries provide an essential safe space for people seeking respite from family violence situations. I call on the Rockliff government to reconsider any cuts as a matter of urgency,” Ms Webb said.

“Apparent plans to cut regional library opening hours demonstrates why we need a gender lens applied as a matter of course to key public policy decisions.

“At a time when public debate is dominated by the urgent need to address the nation’s family and domestic violence emergency and State politicians issue moving pledges to act, it is gobsmacking to hear access to safe public spaces in regional communities could be reduced.

“This is a deeply disturbing example of clear policy disconnect.”

Ms Webb said the lived experience of many in our regional and rural communities tells us of the invaluable role public libraries, and similar services, can play in providing temporary but much needed safe places to escape what may be happening at home.

“Public libraries provide parents with young children a safe, indoors location with something to do. There may not be many other alternatives offering such safety and distraction in that regional community.

“Most libraries provide digital connectivity, and potential access to online support services which either may not be available at home should coercive control be an issue there, for example.

“Teenagers and young people can escape toxic atmospheres at home by accessing a safe space offered by regional libraries as a circuit-breaker as well as accessing online support services with some privacy.

“Nobody is saying regional libraries should be responsible as gender violence support services. But they do provide a vital gateway to such online services, and respite in a safe public space, for regional communities who may not have accessible alternatives as may be available in our urban areas.

“The simple application of a gender lens to the crucial respite-providing role our regional public libraries can play for these communities without similar alternatives available, would have told decision-makers this is a bad idea and runs counter to public commitments being offered by government in tackling gender violence.

“I am calling on Premier Rockliff to immediately halt any plans to reduce opening hours of our regional libraries, and to commit his government to the rigorous and consistent application of a gender lens to any and every public policy decision from now on.”