Domestic Violence NSW Responds to the NSW Budget
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It will take more than one budget to address years of underinvestment in domestic and family violence responses.
The Treasurer of NSW acknowledges “much has been done, and much remains to do” when it comes to the crisis of domestic violence facing the state of NSW.
This budget delivers a further $15.6 million for domestic and family services in addition to the $230 million emergency package announced in May. Also included is the much-needed $5.1 billion new funding for 8,400 social homes, 50% of which will be for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
Elise Phillips, Acting CEO of Domestic Violence NSW recognises the state is still playing catch-up after years of underinvestment, however, this long overdue investment from Labor will improve responses to domestic and family violence.
“The additional $5.6 million for The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service is a welcomed lifeline for victim-survivors navigating the court system and has achieved incredible results.”
“An additional $10 million for men’s behaviour change programs is also vital as there are long wait lists in parts of NSW and no programs at all in some areas.”
“Frontline services report that demand for domestic and family violence services across NSW is increasing and while we’ve seen an expansion of service coverage across the state in this budget, we haven’t received the additional funding existing service providers need to meet demand,” added Phillips.
While the 2024-25 NSW budget commitments are a positive first step to addressing the escalating crisis of domestic and family violence, significant gaps remain in targeted support for Aboriginal women and children’s safety.
“In the 2023-24 financial year only 30% of NSW Government funding for First Nations services went to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations.”
“It’s disheartening to see investment in First Nations-led responses to domestic and family violence remain so low.”
“Particularly when Aboriginal women are eight times more likely to die due to family violence,” said Phillips.
“We implore the Government to provide funding to implement the NSW Aboriginal Domestic and Family Violence plan currently in development.”
Whilst this budget offers a great medium-term response to the housing crisis, Domestic Violence NSW recognises more is needed to address immediate needs.
“The $260 million over four years for temporary accommodation will go some way to reducing the number of adult and child victim-survivors of domestic and family violence that are turned away from homelessness services, however, this investment does not match the scale of the homelessness crisis with women and children living in cars and tents.” enthused Phillips.
“Domestic Violence NSW and the 180 frontline services we represent will continue to work together with the NSW Government to provide housing and safety for victim-survivors.”
The views presented in the article exclusively represent those of Domestic Violence NSW.
