We now await the flak which no doubt will take prevalence if the past week in the Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser is anything to go by.

One of its brave columnists Keith Wheeler gave his view on the subject and all hell broke loose. This attracted numerous emails and letters of accusation directed at him, long lengthy letters suggesting how ‘hurt’ they were because his view did not fall into line with theirs (and why should it).

To pacify them it became necessary for the editor to head his editorial as “the beauty of freedom of speech” for all including Keith's. One reply I read had overtones in it's finale that bordered on libel with working that suggested a threat to the editor.

In other words, how dare he allow Keith the right to express his opinion yet they are not slow in expressing theirs and don't take kindly to others to agree to disagree in our so called democratic society.

We should never be stifled from telling the truth as we believe it to be (from either side of the fence) otherwise we peddle only one side of any debate especially when it is a controversial issue of cause. The cause in question is gay marriage the next cause of the argument for and against. 

Wanting an additional clause (law) to accommodate yet another rendition of the original make up of marriage as is considered to be the norm (as we have always known it to be) meddles with the arrangement laid down by Godly intent (not by humans).

Overstepping this is overstepping an authoritative that invites (as the apostle Paul said) eternal damnation, hardly worth entertaining if we are wise enough to determine the difference.

For far too long, family and domestic violence has been a taboo subject; something to be ‘sorted out at home’, which unfortunately often meant further violence and even deaths.

I encourage people like 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, whose son Luke was murdered by his father, to continue her tireless advocacy for victims of family and domestic violence and importantly, potential victims.

People like Rosie and many other victims, need to know that they will be taken seriously. We need to acknowledge their strength in speaking up and support them.

The Department of Human Services will continue to use its unique position to reach out to victims and potential victims of family and domestic violence.

Family and domestic violence can happen to anyone, and this includes my staff. If I am going to ask my staff to support customers experiencing family and domestic violence, then we must recognise and support staff who are affected themselves.

The department has implemented a family and domestic violence staff contact line. We have also developed targeted training and resources to help managers support their staff.

I want us to be the public sector leader in its support for customers and staff who are victims of domestic violence. 

I believe that if we can work with other community leaders, including governments at all levels, churches and large corporates, we can make a real difference in the fight against the scourge of family and domestic violence.