The recent exchange between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Shaun Azzopardi, the brother of a domestic violence victim, has brought the issue of femicide and the need for a royal commission into sharp focus. While the Prime Minister's response may have been pragmatic, it has sparked a much-needed conversation about the effectiveness of such inquiries and the urgency of addressing femicide in Australia. Personally, I think that the Prime Minister's question, 'What does a royal commission do besides fund lawyers?', while seemingly reasonable, misses the mark. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it highlights the disconnect between the government's approach to addressing domestic violence and the experiences of those directly affected. In my opinion, the real question should be: How many more lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken? From my perspective, the Prime Minister's response reveals a lack of understanding of the impact of royal commissions and their potential to bring about systemic change. Royal commissions are not just about funding lawyers; they are about shining a light on issues, identifying failures, and making recommendations for reform. They can be powerful tools for social and political transformation. What many people don't realize is that the impact of a royal commission extends far beyond the immediate investigation. It can lead to changes in legislation, policy, and practice, ultimately saving lives. The Prime Minister's response also raises a deeper question: Why is the government so hesitant to act on calls for a royal commission into femicide? One thing that immediately stands out is the government's reliance on consultation and the promise of 'effective' action. However, this approach risks becoming a delaying tactic, as it has in the past. The petition's organizer, Sherele Moody, has highlighted the alarming number of women and girls killed since 2000, with 77 deaths in 2025 alone. This data underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The federal government's stance, as expressed by the spokesperson, is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. Until a royal commission is held, women and girls will continue to be at risk. The government must take responsibility for the lives lost and work towards meaningful reform. The petition's call for an investigation into current laws, systemic failures, and social media's role in perpetuating violence is a crucial step in the right direction. It is time for the government to listen to the voices of those affected and take decisive action. The Prime Minister's response, while not entirely inaccurate, has sparked a much-needed conversation about the effectiveness of royal commissions and the urgency of addressing femicide. It is a call to action for the government to take responsibility and make real change. If you take a step back and think about it, the Prime Minister's response is a reminder that we cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to occur before taking action. The time for change is now, and the government must act decisively to protect women and girls from further harm.
