Domestic Violence Working Group

Membership of the Working Group
If you are interested in joining the working group, please send an email to nationalcouncil@pirateparty.org.au.

If you're not yet a member, you can join now at a price of your choosing.

Current Members

 * Brendan Molloy (Chair)
 * Melanie Thomas
 * Ben McGinnes
 * Emma Roberts
 * Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer
 * Simon Frew
 * Andrew Downing

Summary of Purpose
This working group is formed to develop a policy relating to domestic violence ('DV').

The working group shall develop a policy that aims to:


 * immediately reduce instances of DV,
 * eradicate DV in all of its forms,
 * provide support for those victims and perpetrators of DV in order to resolve these conflicts, and
 * take a proportionate approach where appropriately supported by evidence, including taking into account gender, sexuality, age, and any other factors where evidence demonstrates a correlation with DV.

Particularly, the working group acknowledges that DV:


 * is a particularly significant and urgent issue in the Australian political landscape,
 * may incorporate both emotional and/or physical abuse, as well as other forms of abuse, and
 * is a particularly sensitive area for many people, and as such must be treated with sensitivity towards all parties involved in the development process, and
 * may suffer from underreporting.

It is upon this understanding of the problem of domestic violence that a policy shall be developed. As per ordinary practice, the policy must be in line with the Party Principles as laid out in the Party Constitution.

All discussions and content must focus on fulfilling these terms of reference, and the Chair shall be empowered to take action where these Terms of Reference are not respected.

Definition of domestic violence
Domestic violence shall be taken generally to mean abuse between partners. Domestic violence is often ongoing and encompasses many forms of abuse and exertion of power or control directed at a partner, including physical, sexual, emotional, mental (or psychological), spiritual, and financial (or economic) abuse. Domestic violence may impact upon children, especially where present during violent acts, but child abuse should only be considered, if necessary, within the domestic context.

Membership
The working group shall be open to all members, and shall be led by a Chair. Members shall be added to the working group by application to the National Council. All member of the Party may attend meetings of the working group and provide input regardless of whether they are a member of the working group or not.

Coordination
The working group shall be led by a chair who shall have no voting powers (including no casting vote). The Chair shall act as the moderator of the working group for the duration of its activities.

The Chair shall have the power to terminate discussion that the Chair determines to be out of scope as per these terms of reference. Any dispute regarding the use of these powers shall be referred to the National Council for a vote on course of action, which may include:


 * overturning the decision of the Chair,
 * upholding the decision of the Chair,
 * modifying the working group's Terms of Reference, or
 * in the case of repeated abuse of powers, dismissing the Chair.

The Chair may also direct that the proceedings in their current form cease and require an alternative means of communication be used.

Such means may include:


 * concisely stating the issue being debated on the Wiki, with proponents and opponents adding their evidence and points of debate on the Wiki, which shall be considered at the next working group meeting,
 * a break-out meeting between participants, moderated by the Chair, in order to clarify understanding between participants and avoid personal disputes, or
 * any other mechanism necessary for the smooth functioning of the Working Group.

Any member of the Working Group may appeal to the National Council at any time should they feel that the Chair is misusing the powers provided within this section, or for any other purpose.

Members
The minimum requirements a member of the working group should have are:


 * The ability to work professionally within a working group,
 * A high level of reading comprehension, succinctness when writing, and ability to explain complex issues in layperson's terms,
 * The inclination to read the policy statements of other parties, both Pirate and otherwise,
 * A good understanding of the existing Pirate Party Australia Platform and policies,
 * A willingness to consult with outside organisations in order to develop policy recommendations,
 * A working knowledge of laws and practices relevant to the Party platform and policies, even if limited to one particular area, and
 * Basic wiki editing skills, or willingness to learn.

Budgetary Requirements
It is not envisaged that the working group will require any funding, however if expenses are incurred, the Committee may request funds from the Treasurer.

Tools and Procedures for Communication
The working group may determine its own tools and procedures for communication, but there should be accessible means of communication for all members of the Party. Tools and procedures must follow any applicable By-laws.

Decision Making Procedure
Decision making should be democratic, and decisions made through consensus. However, given that policies will not always be met with universal support, a two-thirds majority of all working group members must be met for a decision to be valid.

Expected Duration
The working group aims to complete its work at least two weeks before the National Congress. Failure to meet this deadline is of no consequence, and work shall continue until such a time as the policy is ready for consideration by the Party.