- Enhancing community safety with rollout of 'Ask for Angela' in regional areas
- Initiative offers discreet help for anyone feeling unsafe on a night out
- Venues can download free training resources and campaign posters
- Cook Labor Government building safe and inclusive communities
After a successful launch earlier this year in the metro Protected Entertainment Precincts (PEPs), the Cook Labor Government has today rolled out the internationally recognised 'Ask for Angela' initiative in regional areas.
'Ask for Angela' was launched in partnership with key industry organisations in Perth's five PEPs (Perth/Northbridge, Hillarys, Fremantle, Mandurah, and Scarborough) in January.
The campaign is named after Angela Crompton, who was killed by her husband in 2012 in the United Kingdom. It has since been rolled out around the world and in other Australian jurisdictions.
The idea is simple, but effective: patrons who are feeling unsafe at a licensed venue are encouraged to ask a staff member, 'Can I speak to Angela?' The staff member will know to discreetly help them out of the situation by moving to a safe space within the venue, arranging transport home, or by calling police or emergency services if required.
The Cook Labor Government, through the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, is working closely with the Australian Hotels Association WA (AHA WA), WA Nightclubs Association, and Sexual Assault Resource Centre on the rollout of the campaign across venues.
Pubs, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, sports clubs, and restaurants can access more information and free resources via www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/ask-for-angela
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"After the success of 'Ask for Angela' in our city's Protected Entertainment Precincts earlier this year, I'm pleased to see this campaign rolled out State-wide.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe on a night out. The 'Ask for Angela' campaign is a proven safety initiative, driven by a practical and common-sense approach that is easy for a range of venues to implement.
"We want to make sure everyone who visits WA's pubs and clubs, including tourists, has safety options by encouraging everyone to look out for one another and share the responsibility of creating safer venues."
As stated by Minister for Women Simone McGurk:
"This is an important initiative to ensure everyone can feel safe when they are in WA bars, pubs, or clubs. It's a simple way to offer practical help for anyone feeling threatened or vulnerable.
"It gives staff at licensed premises a discreet way to assist someone who may be feeling unsafe and ensures that whenever someone asks for Angela, they receive the help they need."
As stated by Australian Hotels Association WA government relations and communications manager Angela Beechey:
"The expansion of 'Ask for Angela' into regional Western Australia is a positive step, building on the strong response we've seen in Perth.
"Importantly, this is about consistency across the industry. When patrons see the same message and know what to expect - whether they are in Perth or a regional town - it builds confidence and trust in our venues.
"AHA WA has worked closely with government and industry partners to support the rollout, and we are encouraging all venues to access the free resources and integrate 'Ask for Angela' into their existing staff training and operational procedures."
