WEL welcomes the additional Federal funding, now a package of $4.7 billion overall for ending violence against women and children, and urges the states to support it with their funding.
WEL applauds the National Cabinet commitment to a $4.7 billion plan for frontline services, however we are disappointed that the money will not flow immediately. This funding commitment constructs and renews the service infrastructure essential for women’s and children’s safety and saving lives.
The Federal Government has now included $800 million in funding over five years for the legal assistance sector, including funding for legal aid services and providing better pay for people working in community legal centres.
The emphasis on staffing targets in women's refuges and frontline DV services is critical. No woman or her children fleeing violence should be turned away from services anywhere in Australia. Adequate staffing and funding of services saves lives.
WEL has campaigned for years for a significant funding increase to frontline domestic violence and women's refuge services. The National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness needs a funding boost commensurate with meeting the unmet demand that specialist crisis services have consistently reported. Staff are stretched and overwhelmed - some women and their children may not receive a response to their cry for help.
The blame shifting must cease. All governments across the nation must take responsibility for saving women's lives and securing their future. Specialist crisis accommodation providing wraparound services must be able to respond to women and their children fleeing violence.
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