More support for survivors of violence in Outer Western Sydney
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The Albanese Labor Government, continuing its commitment to bolstering support for victims of family, domestic and sexual violence, has announced the deployment of additional frontline workers specifically dedicated to the outer western Sydney region. This includes the Hawkesbury, Nepean, and Blue Mountains areas.
With victim-survivors facing rising demand for services, this initiative provides a much-needed boost. Eight full-time equivalent (FTE) workers are already employed across various services, with an additional worker set to join them soon.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, emphasised the critical role these workers play in ensuring timely access to support, particularly for those residing in peri-urban areas.
“These additional workers will significantly increase the availability of specialised, trauma-informed support for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence,” stated Assistant Minister Elliot. “The services they provide are vital in helping victims take that crucial first step towards healing and recovery.”
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, highlighted the importance of having these workers readily available within the community.
“Prior to the last election, we identified the need for these workers,” Templeman said. “I’m thrilled to see them placed with our local services, including the Women’s Cottage, Platform Youth, The Haven, DV West, and the Penrith Women’s Health Centre.”
This initiative falls under the umbrella of the National Partnership on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27. Through this partnership, the Albanese Labor Government is investing over $48 million over four years (until 2025-26) to deploy 148.4 FTE frontline support workers across the state of New South Wales.
The National Partnership aligns with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting state and territory efforts in delivering critical frontline services to Australians experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence. In total, the Albanese Labor Government has pledged $4.0 billion to bolster women’s safety under this National Plan.
Related link: Survivors and advocates call for a more trauma-informed and accessible Victims Support Scheme
