A federal government commitment made to boost funding for domestic violence more than four
months ago is still yet to make its way to service providers.
The funding, announced in May this year as part of the 2020 Covid response, is earmarked to meet
the growing demand for domestic and family violence services during the pandemic.
But many services, including several Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA members), say they are
still waiting to hear when the extra money will become available.
In March 2020, the federal government announced a $150m domestic violence package as part of
its Covid response, in addition to previously committed funding.
In the May 2021 budget, the government announced “a landmark package” which included $1.1bn
for women’s safety in response to what experts have called a national crisis in domestic and family
violence.
The Guardian Australia recently reported that a spokesperson for the women’s safety minister,
Anne Ruston, said negotiations on the draft partnership between the state and federal
governments were progressing, and the government “looked forward to finalising the agreement as
soon as possible”.
Ms Monique Earsman, Executive Director of CSSA, said today that the delay in funding made it
difficult for services to plan for the future.
“Across the board, organisations focused on providing domestic and family violence services are
coming under increased pressure,” she said.
“Any delay in funding places greater pressure on the services and their clients who rely on knowing
that their safety and housing issues can be addressed,” Ms Earsman said.
On average, ten women are hospitalised with injuries each day, and one woman is killed each week,
by a current or former partner. The last budget estimated violence against women costs Australia
$26 bn a year.
Service providers still waiting for promised funding boost, CathNews
Media Contact: Michael Salmon | 0417 495 018
GPO Box 1947, Canberra ACT 2601. T 02 6285 1366 | E admin@cssa.org.au