The Australian state of Victoria has appointed a local member of Parliament Tim Richardson as the Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Behaviour Change. This is the first-ever such position to tackle violence against women. According to the Counting Dead Women initiative, 31 women have been killed throughout the country since the beginning of this year. In 2023, a total of 64 women were murdered, the group said. Richardson said his role will largely focus on how the internet and social media affect men's attitudes towards women. However, the government's move has not been welcomed by many Australians, who believe it will demonise women and feminise the culture. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this month said that the growing violence against women is a "national crisis" and men have to take responsibility.
