MINISTER for the Respect Agenda Justin Madden today launched the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility video clip, which aims to spread the combined respect messages of the Victorian Government and AFL through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
View Respect & Responsibility video
Mr Madden, who joined football legends, media and sporting identities such as Jack Riewoldt, Ron Barrassi, Daniel Pratt, Jennifer Keyte and Stephen Silvagni in the 90 second clip, said the video was the first in a series of respect messages specifically designed for digital media.
“Building respect is everybody’s business and requires efforts from the community, businesses and organisations with strong ties to the public, such as the AFL,” Mr Madden said.
“The AFL’s Respect and Responsibility campaign understands that respect is central to a healthy, friendly and productive society and that disrespectful behaviour undermines us all and damages Victoria’s reputation as an open and welcoming place.
“With the help of people that we know and respect, this clip promotes that respect is everyone’s responsibility - regardless of age, background or circumstance - in a light-hearted and captivating way,” Mr Madden said.
AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson thanked the Victorian Government for supporting the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility program and said the social media campaign would send a powerful and effective message to the community.
“Australian football is proud to be known as a game which brings people together, regardless of their background. The AFL places a high value on addressing the important issues, such as respect towards women and tackling alcohol-fuelled violence as well as celebrating the diversity of all people involved in our game,” Mr Anderson said.
The Victorian Government’s Respect Agenda focuses on promoting positive behaviours by fostering a greater understanding of difference and diversity, encouraging people to get involved in their communities, though activities like volunteering, and helping parents and carers.
It also addresses disrespectful behaviours, such as alcohol-related violence, bullying, including cyberbullying, and violence against women.
“The Victorian Government is taking a leadership role for respect and is committed to partnering with organisations like the AFL that promote positive, respectful behaviours,” Mr Madden said.
The Victorian Government recently announced another partnership with the AFL as part of its Enough campaign, which raises awareness of new family violence laws. AFL will produce a DVD to inform young and aspiring footballers about the important issues that encompass family violence and violence against women.
The project has been funded through a $100,000 partnership between the Victorian Government’s Respect Agenda and the AFL.
For more information about the Respect Agenda visit www.respect.vic.gov.au.
