Anthony Albanese to unveil ‘substantial’ package for frontline services to tackle domestic violence crisis

A major funding boost for frontline domestic violence services is set to be unveiled on Friday as Anthony Albanese declares an “all hands-on decks” approach is needed to combat the crisis.

The Prime Minister will convene national cabinet in Canberra to finalise the next steps in the push to end the scourge of violence against women and children.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher signalled Mr Albanese would present Premiers with a “substantial package” targeted at chronically underfunded frontline DV services.

Leaders are also expected to discuss monitoring of high-risk perpetrators and support for young people who have suffered or been exposed to violence.

The crunch talks are a follow-up to an emergency national cabinet in May that was held amid an escalation in the crisis of violence against women.

Mr Albanese emerged from that meeting with a $925 million package that made the up-to $5000 payment for people fleeing domestic violence permanent.

But there was no immediate new funding for frontline services, prompting a barrage of criticism from advocacy groups, the Greens and independents.

Since then, the Federal Government has been handed an expert review that found even the description “crisis” undersold the scale of the problem.

The review, published in late August, called for a “significant funding uplift” for frontline legal services among a raft of recommendations.

In a statement ahead of Friday’s meeting, Mr Albanese said the Government was acting to address the “national crisis”.

“We want all violence against women and children to stop, and we won’t be satisfied until it stops,” he said.

“In order to do that, we need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach.”

Shadow Minister for Women Sussan Ley said domestic violence was above politics as she committed to work “constructively” with Labor to address the problem.

But Ms Ley said the Opposition would hold Labor accountable – including highlighting its failure to deliver its promised 500 frontline DV workers.

Just 198 full-time workers were on the ground as of August 31, according to Department of Social Services figures.

That includes 22 of the promised 50 in WA.

“We need more urgency here and the Government must deliver 500 new full-time workers as promised,” Ms Ley said.

Greens spokesperson on women Larissa Waters said the “substantial” package flagged by Senator Gallagher must ensure that no women are turned away from frontline services.

“For the National plan to end violence against women and children to succeed it needs to be properly funded, along with dedicated and deep resourcing of prevention work, otherwise we will keep seeing a woman murdered in this country every four days,” she said.

Support is available at 1800RESPECT

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline in WA on 1800 000 599

Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491