White Ribbon Foundation slammed by NSW opposition over jetski flotilla on Sydney Harbour
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Bizarre plan to denounce domestic violence with a fleet of jet skis in Sydney Harbor fails as it breaks a decades-old law
- Jet ski fleet to mark National White Ribbon Day sparked widespread outrage
- About 50 jet skis will be making ribbons in Sydney Harbor on Friday
- NSW Opposition branded display as deaf as jet skis banned in harbour
- Not the first time White Ribbon Australia has sparked controversy with recent stunts
A plan by White Ribbon, a domestic violence charity to use a fleet of jet skis in Sydney Harbor to publicize the case, has been rejected because the watercraft have been banned on those waters — and have been for decades.
A fleet of 50 jet skis was scheduled to form a ribbon on Sydney Harbor under the Harbor Bridge this Friday as part of a new campaign to urge people to say no to violence against women and children.
The striking display of a number of NSW government agencies coincides with national White Ribbon Day.
But the plans have sparked confusion and anger among boat users and the NSW opposition, as the use of jet skis and other watercraft has been banned in Sydney Harbor since 1999.
NSW Maritime sparked online outcry last week for promoting the agency’s involvement in this Friday’s jet ski fleet on National White Ribbon Day
The organizers have been granted a waiver to host the event that will raise money for the White Ribbon Foundation.
Every week, an average of one woman is murdered by her current or former partner in Australia.
Labor Shadow spokeswoman Jodie Harrison agrees with the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, that the horrific statistic cannot be ignored, but described the stunt as ill-conceived.
“This is a very complicated way to start, which should be an ongoing and constructive conversation,” said Ms. Harrison.
The theme of White Ribbon Day 2022 is: ‘Let’s Be the Change’. Perhaps the government should redirect the money they spend on water sports into an initiative that will bring meaningful change to those affected by domestic violence in NSW.”
The White Ribbon jet ski event under the Harbor Bridge has sparked outrage as the use of the craft has been banned in Sydney Harbor since 1999 (pictured).
Ms Harrison also accused Dominic Perrottet of failing to live up to his prime minister’s priority to cut repeat offenders of domestic violence by 25 percent by next year.
She wasn’t the only one who opposed the stunt.
‘Pwc (water scooter) is prohibited for us, but you do use it? What hypocrisy…allow us to use pwc in port so we can drive for them instead of you and your marketing campaign,” someone wrote on the NSW Maritime Facebook page.
The website states that boaters cannot ride a watercraft anywhere in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), which stretches from the Heads at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean to Parramatta in the western suburbs.
Daily Mail Australia contacted the White Ribbon Foundation for comment.
NSW Maritime, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and the Port Authority of NSW will all participate in the fleet which will take place concurrently with Maritime Safety Queensland’s ride on the Brisbane River.
NSW Opposition spokeswoman Jodie Harrison (pictured) described the jet ski fleet as a tone-deaf stunt
“On one of Australia’s most iconic waterways, the jet ski display puts the work of violence prevention at the center and sparks conversations that, we hope, will inspire people to take action to drive change at the local level,” the national director said. from White Ribbon Australia said Allan Ball.
The latest controversy comes after a White Ribbon Australia representative came under fire for suggesting that the domestic violence charity sell ‘wife beater’ shirts to raise money.
They suggested: sell the merchandise for $1,000 and include a QR code on the item that would direct users to a domestic violence awareness website
The “tone-deaf” proposal angered many, with commentators expressing their disgust at the idea on social media.
It was the second time in days that the charity sparked backlash over another call.
The charity launched a social media campaign featuring a photo of a man wearing a white ribbon and was accused of asking people to donate so they could educate men about preventing violence.
If you need support, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 13 11 14.
Jet ski flotillas in Sydney and Brisbane will this Friday bring together the event that raises money for the White Ribbon Foundation.