Government Commits $4.7 Billion to Boost Domestic Violence Support

Canberra, ACT – In a significant move to combat domestic and family violence, the Australian Federal Government has announced a $4.7 billion investment over the next five years to bolster frontline support services for victims.

The funding aims to provide greater access to crisis accommodation, counselling, legal aid, and other essential resources.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the government’s commitment to ongoing support to frontline domestic violence services, stating, “What we have done today is agree that there is a need to continue that funding and indeed even beyond the five years. What those legal services will benefit from is the certainty of knowing what is coming as they go forward.”

“On so many occasions when one of these tragedies occurs the perpetrator will be someone who has experienced it in their own family situation when they were younger. How do we intervene to change that? How do we intervene to change the culture so that it is unacceptable?” Mr Albanese asked.

The funding allocation will be distributed across various initiatives, including:

• Expansion of crisis accommodation: The government will increase the number of safe houses and shelters available to victims, ensuring immediate and secure refuge.
• Enhanced counselling services: Funding will be provided to support the growth of counselling programs, offering victims emotional support and guidance as they recover from traumatic experiences.
• Improved legal aid: Legal assistance will be made more accessible to victims, enabling them to navigate the legal system and seek justice.
• Community-based programs: Initiatives aimed at preventing domestic violence, such as educational campaigns and community-based programs, will receive additional funding.
• Support for survivors: The government will invest in programs that provide long-term support to survivors, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.

Tensions escalated between the federal and state governments on Friday morning (September 6) as they discussed the ongoing shortage of family violence support workers.

Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth expressed frustration with the states, urging them to fulfill their commitments to increase staffing levels, which were agreed upon earlier this year.

However, Queensland Premier Steven Miles countered Rishworth’s comments, stating that it was “unhelpful” to expect states to simply “magic these workers up.” Miles emphasized the challenges faced by states in recruiting and retaining qualified staff for this critical role.

The disagreement highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the complex issue of domestic violence, with both federal and state governments facing pressures to provide adequate support services for victims.The $4.7 billion commitment represents a major investment in addressing domestic and family violence in Australia.

It is hoped that this funding will make a tangible difference in the lives of countless victims and contribute to a more compassionate and safe society.