White Ribbon Day plan for 50-jetski parade around Sydney Harbour labelled ‘tone-deaf stunt’

A White Ribbon Day plan for 50 jetskis to ride around Sydney Harbour has been called a tone-deaf stunt but the New South Wales government insists the event will "spark important conversations".

The event on Friday would get people talking and could help end the stigma around violence and harassment, the state's women's safety minister, Natalie Ward, said.

"We can't ignore the horrifying statistics that an average of one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner in Australia and one in five women have experienced sexual violence," Ward said on Monday. "That's why we're making a strong statement on national White Ribbon Day."

However, NSW Labor MP Jodie Harrison said the event was a tone-deaf and confusing stunt.

"This is a very convoluted way of starting what should be an ongoing and constructive conversation," Harrison said.

"Perhaps the government should redirect the money they are spending on water sports to an initiative that will create meaningful change for those impacted by domestic violence in NSW.

"More action is needed immediately to ensure this trend of increasing instances of domestic violence and domestic violence recidivism does not continue."