This Act is scheduled to commence in mid May 2009; its timing governed by the need to issue titles for Darwin Waterfront project. The Commercial Law Committee is liaising with the department of Justice on the various issues and it is hoped that a further information seminar can be organized for before or shortly after commencement of the legislation. In the meantime, please advise me if you have any queries or want any matter followed up.

As you may be aware, the Domestic and Family Violence Amendment Bill was passed by the Northern Territory parliament in February 2009 and commenced as of 12 March 2009. This now means that all adults over the age of 18 must report domestic and family violence involving serious physical harm. See the attachments for a fact sheet and a flow chart that explains the law.?

The Department of Health and Families is the agency responsible for leading the implementation of mandatory reporting and will continue to progress this initiative by working in partnership with the non government sector and other government departments.

A community education campaign to raise the awareness of the general community has begun. This is the first phase of a comprehensive campaign to raise the awareness to the community about the new law. As already discussed with many of you, NGO's will be consulted in the development of an NT social marketing campaign seeking to change attitudes and tolerance to domestic violence.

The Domestic and Family Violence Policy Team within NT Families and Children are developing a range of tools and materials to support service providers implement mandatory reporting. Development of the tools and materials will be done in consultation with non-government organisations via regional meetings.

An internet site will shortly be live on the web, that will be a resource on domestic and family violence related issues as well as mandatory reporting for the general public as well as service providers.

If you are interested in your organisation or staff meeting with the Domestic and Family Violence Policy Team to discuss mandatory reporting and what it means to your agency, please contact Natalie Bellew, A/g Manager on 8999 2460 or email Michelle Bonner, Senior Policy Officer
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