$2 million boost for frontline responders to tackle family violence with the Gender and Disaster Recovery training program.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from violence. The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ending violence against women and children in Australia, and a key part of this plan is ensuring frontline responders are equipped to help those in need during emergencies.

To further these efforts, the Government has announced an additional $2 million in funding for the Gender and Disaster Recovery training program. This critical program provides training and resources to frontline responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, so they can better assist women, children, and vulnerable people experiencing violence during natural disasters and emergencies.

“We know that unfortunately natural disasters and emergencies can increase the likelihood and severity of violence against women and children,” said Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. “This funding addresses a key focus of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, to equip first responders to recognise the signs of violence during and following disasters and emergency situations.”

The funding boost will allow Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus) to train an additional 700 frontline responders. These responders will be equipped to help a wide range of people, including women, children, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, and men who may be using violence or at risk of suicide.

“Training and support provided by Gender and Disaster Australia will equip Australia’s frontline responders with the tools they need to recognise violence and respond appropriately,” Minister Rishworth said. “This type of support is critical when people may already have lost a lot through disasters, such as droughts, fires and floods.”

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, emphasised the importance of this training in creating a holistic emergency management response.

“Embedding a gender lens into emergency management practice and ensuring additional training is available to our emergency services workers and first responders will help us to stop the cycle of violence in our communities,” Assistant Minister Elliot said. “GADAus supports our frontline responders to better recognise, respond to and assist women and children experiencing or at risk of violence when natural disasters strike, allowing for best possible practice.”

The funding was welcomed by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Chair of the GADAus Expert Advisory Committee, Elizabeth Broderick.

“This funding will ensure frontline responders are equipped to recognise the heightened risks of domestic and family violence and understand its gendered impacts during emergencies,” Ms Broderick said. “This investment is a vital step toward protecting lives and creating safer, more resilient communities for everyone.”

Executive Director of GADAus, Debra Parkinson, said the funding would allow GADAus to “contribute our efforts to the Australian Government’s goal of reducing violence against women within one generation.”

“The work of GADAus is unique in focusing on both gender and disaster and bears witness to the suffering of women, men and non-binary people in disasters,” Ms Parkinson said.

Also read: Human rights ignored: Co-designed program empowers multicultural communities against family violence