In the media
National approach needed to address insidious and ubiquitous domestic violence issue of technology-facilitated abuse
Kylea Tink MP, the Independent Federal Member for North Sydney, has called for a national approach to tackling the escalating domestic and family violence issue of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), which includes cyberstalking, threatening or abusive digital communication and the use of spyware and tracking devices.
Ms. Tink made the call as she launched a new report outlining the findings of a policy roundtable series involving 40 leading experts spanning frontline workers, victim-survivors, service providers, researchers, advocates, peak bodies, and public sector leaders in North Sydney. The report also outlines 12 recommendations which Ms. Tink is calling on governments to take on and implement to address and reduce technology-facilitated abuse.
The report’s release coincides with the festive season, which has traditionally seen a spike in domestic violence cases.
“The clear message I have heard from victim-survivors, service providers, researchers and first responders is that technology-facilitated abuse is widespread, rapidly growing, not well understood across the community, and overlooked by policymakers. We need to act now to stop this growing issue escalating further,” said Ms. Tink.
“Australia cannot tackle domestic and family violence if we do not tackle technology-facilitated abuse. Most people now presenting to a domestic violence service have some sort of surveillance technology attached to them. Some services say it is 100 per cent.”
“It’s time for all levels of government around the country to come together and develop a national approach to tackling technology-facilitated abuse.”
“While we won’t eliminate it overnight, a nationally coordinated, whole-of-society approach can help improve awareness and understanding, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of TFA. For example, education programs for police and the judiciary so our first responders and legal system are better equipped to identify and deal with TFA are crucial.”
“With tracking technology now widely available – and normalised through popular social media platforms, experts are also calling for more consistent state and federal laws as well as moves to restrict perpetrators’ access to technology, rather than put the onus on victim-survivors.”
“Both Labor and the Coalition are genuine when they say want to end violence against women and girls. Ahead of the 2025 election, I call on both parties to commit to developing and implementing a national, coordinated strategy to tackling TFA in the next term of Parliament,” said Ms. Tink.
According to the e-Safety Commissioner, four in five Australian women have experienced or are experiencing some form of technology-facilitated abuse. Meanwhile, research by WESNET reveals that 99.3% of individuals presenting to domestic violence shelters have experienced TFA, and a recent NSW Crime Commission report found that one in four people who purchased GPS tracking devices since 2023 have a history of domestic violence.
Ms. Tink’s report was informed by consultation with: ANROWS, Armenian Community Welfare Centre, Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission, Australian Federal Police, Chief Executive Women, DVNSW, eSafety Commission, Kolling Institute, Lifeline, Mary's House Services, Nansen Digital Forensic Services, NSW Health, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, Office for Women (PM&C), the Office of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Our Watch, Protective Services, STOP Campaign, Sydney Multicultural Community Services, The Northern Centre, University of Sydney Law School, UNSW Gendered Violence Research Network, WESNET, Women and Children First, Women's and Girl's Emergency Centre, and Women's Community Shelters.
ENDS
Other relevant posts
ABC Mornings Post-Budget Panel
ABC Radio Mornings, 26 March 2025
Kylea speaks with host Kathryn Robinson and Fowler's Dai Le MP about the 2025 Federal Budget, describing the government's headline-grabbing tax breaks as a "very tiny, very small green shoot" that indicates that Labor may be prepared to begin to consider larger scale tax reform. When asked about the upcoming election, Kylea reiterates her commitment to the community independent movement: "We need everyday Australians stepping up ... to bring their real-life, lived experience into Parliament House, because it's only when you have that experience that you understand the impact that some of these reforms will have."
Fairy Bread: A Bread & Butter Budget Sprinkled with Sugar Hits
Media Statement, 26 March 2025
The 2025 Federal budget is a classic bread and butter budget that focuses on the bare basics but lacks ambition. This time however, it’s more like fairy bread in that it’s sprinkled with a few sugar hits that offer temporary relief for some but no long term, lasting benefits.
The Coalition’s attack on the climate authority is a cynical attempt to put ideology over facts – it must be called out
The Guardian, 27 February 2025
On the Coalition's attack on the Climate Change Authority, Kylea writes: "As my grandmother used to say: we are all entitled to our own opinions. But we are not entitled to our own facts."
When does bipartisanship happen? When mutual self-interest is served
The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 February 2025
Economics editor Ross Gittins has described a bipartisan deal on electoral reform as “collusion”, saying the major parties have passed reforms that “advance their interests at the expense of the voters.” He says a minority government would allow independents to push for “braver policies in return for keeping the minority government in power. Not such a bad arrangement.”
‘Swimming in debt’: Sydney’s $14 billion student loan burden
The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 February 2025
New data shows that North Sydney is region with the 4th highest number of students with HELP debt (44,030).
The 12 teal battlegrounds to watch out for this election
Australian Financial Review, 26 February 2025
After the wave of independents that swept the 2022 election, here are the 35 community-backed independents to watch out for as we head towards the polls.
Every Friday
Kylea's newsletter hits the inboxes of people right across our electorate of North Sydney. Stay up to date with Kylea's plans and progress as she tells us about her week speaking with people in our community. We'll also highlight the latest community events and initiatives to get involved with.