Justice grant to help reduce domestic violence on the Sunshine Coast

Efforts to reduce domestic violence on the Sunshine Coast received a further boost today with the announcement of a Queensland Government grant for an early intervention program.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said Centacare would receive funding of $105,700 to counsel offenders so they better understood court applications taken out against them, as well as the penalties for breaching such orders.

“This project will directly target men who have come to the attention of local courts as a result of their involvement in domestic and family violence,” Mr Shine said.

“The Department of Communities already funds similar counselling for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and this initiative will focus on the other side of the equation by working with those responsible.

“The objective is to increase family safety by reducing the incidence of domestic violence and repeat offences in particular.

“The project will involve all five magistrates courts on the Sunshine Coast and include referring perpetrators to other services.”

Mr Shine said the grant followed support for a similar program in Brisbane called Mensline and was the first instalment of a two-year program with a total commitment of $214,900.

“This funding will help cover the cost of Centacare staff, as well as associated expenses for travel, phones, brochures and administration,” he said.

The Sunshine Coast project is one of 35 initiatives to be funded this year from the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund administered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General to enhance community legal services and education.

“These grants will help to level the legal playing field for some of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised people in our society, including victims of crime, people with disabilities, Indigenous Queenslanders, young people and refugees,” Mr Shine said.

“The grants will provide almost $1.7 million in total for a wide range of worthwhile projects across the State.”

“Many of these other grants will support regional and State-wide initiatives that also benefit the people of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland.”

1 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au