Mackay says no to domestic and family violence

A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander domestic and family violence service will be established in Mackay.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government would commit $260,000 annually to establish and run the service.

“This new service will provide culturally appropriate help for victims of domestic and family violence, and also programs for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour,” Ms Farmer said.

Ms Farmer said the State Government was contributing over $2 million in funding for domestic and family violence services in Mackay in 2018-19.

“This includes funding for the Domestic Violence Resource Service that will receive more than $3.2 million from the State Government over the next three years to support domestic and family violence victims in Mackay.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Mackay would also have a Domestic Violence High Risk Team from early next year.

“This team will be made up of key agencies including Police, health, courts, housing and domestic violence services who will work together to provide effective responses to victims at high risk of further violence,” Ms Gilbert said.

“We know that when women make the brave decision to leave a violent situation they are incredibly vulnerable and in fact it is the most dangerous time for them.

“That’s why it is critical that services and support are there to help them navigate this difficult time, help them to be safe and be there to help people get back on their feet.”

Ms Farmer said Mackay residents, government and non-government organisations have taken up the call to end domestic and family violence in their region.

Visiting Mackay today, Ms Farmer praised the community for taking up the challenge to say no to all forms of domestic violence.

“This week members of the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council are meeting with key stakeholders here in Mackay,” Ms Farmer said.

“There is incredible work under way to tackle domestic and family violence in this community.

“We know that tackling domestic and family violence is not just a state government issue but one for all levels of government and also needs the input of communities themselves.

“It is great to see Mackay Regional Council is stepping up and taking this issue seriously and working towards ending domestic and family violence in the region through the Mackay Mayor’s DV Taskforce.

“Together you have drawn a line and said enough is enough, domestic and family violence ends here.”

Ms Farmer said she knew many Queenslanders were facing difficult situations, particularly those living in regional areas who were under immense financial strain from the drought.

“We need to make sure services are there for people experiencing difficulties, and I’m so proud to be part of a government that is leading by example,” she said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mackay region had been proactive in tackling the issue through the formation of a local DV Taskforce.

“We have a community responsibility to do more in condemning violent behaviour and have enlisted the support of local leaders to instigate a lasting change in the region,” he said.

“Our Draw the Line campaign has been embraced by business and community leaders as we stand united to put a stop to domestic and family violence.”

Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council chair Kay McGrath said it was vital the Implementation Council connected with rural and regional Queensland to learn about specific challenges to the regions.

“A shortage of safe accommodation and scarcity of trained professionals is a common problem in regional areas,” Ms McGrath said. 

“The Implementation Council’s been impressed by the ingenuity, passion and commitment shown by those working on the front line, and Mackay is trailing a number of promising programs to help respond to the issue of DFV."

ENDS 

Media Contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920