Palaszczuk Government plan to address domestic and family violence

The Palaszczuk Government has elevated its plan to address domestic and family with an almost $200 million investment package to boost domestic and family violence services over five years.

 The $198.2 million funding, announced as part of the 2015-16 State Budget, demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s trailblazing commitment to addressing domestic and family violence since accepting all 140 recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever report of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence, led by Dame Quentin Bryce.

 Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced this week’s State Budget will include significant funding to ensure Queenslanders – no matter where they live – have access to support and services.

 “Tackling domestic and family violence is one of my government’s highest priorities and part of that edict is ensuring support is available no matter where those affected by this terrible violence live,” she said.

 “Violence has no place in the lives of Queenslanders and we are determined it does not take hold of another generation.

 “This is why we are continuing to invest heavily to deliver services for families in need, including early intervention services for men; two extra shelters for families fleeing violence; legal support and for services in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help deliver culturally-appropriate responses.”

 Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the five-year plan would address service gaps, and some of the challenges victims of domestic and family violence face, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities.

“We know there are significant challenges faced by Queenslanders living in remote and rural areas when it comes to accessing face-to-face services and support and we are working hard to address those issues, particularly in Central and North Queensland,” she said.

 “We have announced Mount Isa as the location for a new three-year domestic violence integrated service response and trial, as well as established a new family violence counselling support service in Longreach.

 “But we know there is more we can do. Our current funding is focused on aspects of crisis support, with limited funding for early intervention and prevention – which is something we are pleased to be able to address today.”

 Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the budget would increase funding to domestic violence court services to ensure the justice system is accessible to Queenslanders confronting the awful toll of domestic violence.

“We will also ensure the important work of the Women’s Legal Service Helpline continues, by ensuring funding of $300,000 over three years,” Mrs D’Ath said.

 Initiatives include:

Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Courts

$42.4 million over four years from 2016-17 (including $40.4 million new funding and $2 million reprioritised) allocated to roll out specialist courts, building on learnings from the trial at Southport.

 Domestic and Family Violence Services

$43.1 million over four years for additional or enhanced domestic and family violence services to support victims.

 Integrated Service Responses

$26.3 million over four years ($24.2 million new funding and $2.1 million reprioritised) for eight specialist teams to prioritise victims and their safety.

 Perpetrator Interventions

$10.3 million over four years for additional perpetrator interventions to help protect victims.

 Cultural Transformation

$9.6 million over four years ($9.3 million new funding and $0.3 million reprioritised) for a communication and engagement program to change attitudes and behaviours towards domestic and family violence.

 Domestic and Family Violence Shelters

$8.7 million over four years for two new shelters to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Media Contact:                                Minister Fentiman               040 077 4303