Australia pledges $4.7 billion package to combat domestic violence

The National Cabinet has announced a $4.7 billion package over the next five years to prevent domestic violence across Australia.

The federal government has also agreed to a new national partnership on family, domestic, and sexual violence with states and territories.

The federal government will provide $351 million, which will be matched by their sub-national counterparts.

“A nationally coordinated approach is required to address this national crisis. These horrific and disturbing deaths and vile violence must be prevented,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report revealed 43 women were murdered by their partners in the financial year up to June 30.

The report, tabled in Parliament on Aug. 21, also found an 11 percent increase in sexual violence within the year.

According to the new plan, $3.9 billion will go towards frontline support services and legal support. States and territories can direct their portion of the funding to areas they identify as most in need.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, whose state leads the figures for domestic violence cases in Australia, called it an important step.

“With our $180 million over five years and the federal government’s contribution, we are working through this new agreement to deliver safer outcomes for the territory’s women and children,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jacinta Allan, premier of Victoria, whose state reports the fewest cases, shared the best practices used to curb the problem.

“We’ve invested over $4 billion in putting additional resources, additional workers, additional support into the prevention of family violence space in Victoria.”

However, she insisted that data and information sharing were most critical.

“So, a woman or a child reaches a point in the system, whether through Victoria Police or by contacting a specialist agency. All these agencies share data about her circumstances and then wrap their arms around her.”

Gambling and Alcohol Laws

After the announcement, Albanese was questioned about his government’s efforts to address gambling and alcohol, particularly their links to domestic violence. There has been increasing demand for a complete ban on gambling advertising.

“The government’s working through our position on that, and we’re consulting,” the prime minister said.

Albanese defended his government’s actions, noting they have implemented measures like allowing people to register and be barred from gambling. He also pointed to changes in advertising laws, where promotions now clearly state the financial loss from gambling.

On the impact of alcohol, he committed to a further review.

“The states and territories have said that they will examine their laws and review them appropriately to see what further action can be taken.”