Everyone has a role to play when it comes to changing attitudes and behaviours that lead to family violence.
Today I am delighted to announce that as part of our deal with the Hawthorn Football Club, players will take a leadership role in The Safe Homes, Safe Families: Tasmania’s Family Violence Action Plan 2015-2020.
This ground breaking plan paves the way to a Tasmania where families are safe.
AFL players can play a crucial role when it comes to changing attitudes and behaviour.
The new Hawthorn deal includes a specific commitment that Hawks players will be involved in our strategy to prevent family violence.
Hawks player Shaun Burgoyne is already one of four ambassadors for The Line campaign run by Our Watch, which focuses on helping young people prevent violence against women
Players can provide models for young men and boys, because the statistics tell us the vast majority of violent behaviour is committed by men against women.
Tasmanians love their footy and are proud of our history in producing great players and coaches.
This week I met with the AFL Commission when it held its first meeting in Tasmania and we agreed on a joint program to develop and support Australian Football in Tasmania.
This is a significant step forward in laying out a pathway for the long term future of Australian football in our state, including having our own team and developing an academy to strengthen the link between junior players and the elite level of AFL.This is an exciting time as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of footy in Tasmania, and map out the future direction of the AFL here.
Will Hodgman, Premier
