Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties under Articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant: Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Australia

The Committee, in its concluding observations on Australia's country report, expresses concern that, despite the State party's attempts, incidents of violence against women continually persist, especially with regard to indigenous women. The Committee recommends that the State party enact specific legislation criminalizing domestic violence, consider adopting the Australian Human Rights Commissions proposals related to the development of the Plan of Action to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, and provide additional shelters and support services to victims. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase efforts to prosecute crimes of domestic violence.