Government to continue tackling domestic violence following QAO Report

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the Queensland Audit Office report, Keeping People Safe from Domestic and Family Violence.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, said that the Government was proud of its track record in addressing domestic and family violence (DFV).

“We remain committed to doing everything we can to keep women and girls safe,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The Government will be accepting all of the report’s recommendations.

“Since the Audit Office began this report, the Palaszczuk Government has embarked on an ambitious and ground-breaking path towards ending domestic and family violence.

“We have established the independent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce to make recommendations on how we can best reform our systems to better protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.

“In response to the 89 recommends from the Taskforce’s first report, Hear her voice, the Government committed an historic $363 million package of reforms.”

“This means since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government has invested almost $1 billion into tackling domestic and family violence.”

The Minister also said the Government this week announced an additional $1 million every year to further support existing High-Risk Teams across the state.

“We know that the eight operational High-Risk Teams are saving lives, and this money will help further support the vital work they do,” she said.

“I note that many of the Audit Office’s recommendations overlap with recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce. This includes more integrated response, better training, and more information sharing.

“This Government has acted strongly, decisively, and has made decisions based on the evidence and experiences of victims who have bravely told their stories,” the Minister said.

The report also follows the Government’s establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into Police responses to DFV, which will be handing its recommendations in the coming weeks.

Ends

Media contact: Clare Barnes 0497 829 747