A parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s sexual consent laws is an opportunity to turn around the country’s “epidemic” of sexual violence, according to one senator involved.
A central focus of the inquiry was to look at inconsistencies in consent laws across the country and ask whether they can be better harmonised. Consent Labs executive director Julie Cooper said sexual violence is a national issue that requires a national approach. “The main thing we want to talk with the public about is what affirmative consent looks like in real life - you’re engaging in sexual activity with somebody, you’re asking them continually, do they want to be here? Are they having a good time? And they’re continually giving you that response that they do, and that they are,” she said.The case against criminal law reforms
The inquiry heard that one in five Australian women and one in 16 men over the age of 15 will or have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.Stanton also warned the practical impact of affirmative consent would require any accused person to give evidence, limiting their right to silence. "We encourage the pursuit of other measures such as strengthening protections for complainants and victim-survivors," he said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit In an emergency, call 000.