More funding for justice and safety in Mackay-Whitsunday region

Victims of domestic and sexual violence will have greater access to support, after the Palaszczuk Government announced a major funding boost to service providers and court facilities across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman today revealed local domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) services would receive an extra $900,000, as part of a $22.5 million boost for services across the state over the next three years.

“We know this funding will make a real difference to vulnerable Queenslanders most at risk,” Minister Fentiman said.

“It is so important that dedicated support workers receive the tools they need to help victims better manage their trauma.

“We have seen an increased demand for services driven by a number of factors, including national attention on women’s safety, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are continuing to take action to give these services more support, with a further $22.5 million in funding to the sector.

“I’ve heard first-hand about the pressures that services are experiencing here in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is boosting support for our hardworking services.”

Total funding to sexual, domestic and family violence services in the Mackay and Whitsunday region is now more than $5 million for the 2022-23 financial year.

The Attorney-General said the Palaszczuk Government is also investing $49 million to upgrade our courthouses to make them safer for victims of DFV through the dedicated DFV Courthouse Improvement Program - this includes around $3 million for the Mackay courthouse.

“In Mackay, the upgrades include a new secure safe room, registry counter refurbishments, interview rooms, amenities and associated works to improve facilities at this courthouse,” she said.

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert welcomed the additional boost for frontline services.

“It is crucial that we invest in our domestic violence and sexual services to ensure women and victims of violence can access support when they need it most,” Ms Gilbert said.

Minister Fentiman said the funding has been allocated to service providers based on their increased demand, to ensure areas most in need received appropriate levels of extra support.

“We have continued to work with the sector to identify the areas seeing the biggest increases in demand to ensure the extra funding is allocated accordingly,” she said.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719