- The Crisafulli Government is delivering around-the-clock assistance to victims of domestic violence in North Queensland, with new 24/7 crisis support service.
- The service delivers on a key election commitment for a North Queensland domestic and family violence hub, to deliver tailored support across the north of the State.
- 1800NQSAFE is ready to answer calls with a 24/7 phone line to deliver immediate support.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering nation-leading reforms to tackle the domestic and family violence issues inherited from Labor, to help more victims sooner.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering more support for victims of domestic and family violence sooner, through an innovative 24/7 crisis support service in North Queensland.
The 1800NQSAFE phoneline is the result of a $21 million Crisafulli Government commitment over two years to expand support for victims through the establishment of the new North Queensland DFV Networked Hub.
Working across key pathways including police, hospitals, housing services, and specialised DFV providers, the Networked Hub will support residents in the Townsville City, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook and Palm Island Local Government Areas.
It's part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to make Queensland safer and deliver nation-leading reforms to tackle the domestic and family violence issues inherited from Labor, to help more victims sooner, and delivers on a key election promise.
The 1800NQSAFE service builds on the Crisafulli Government's investments in targeted frontline services that deliver measurable outcomes for victims, including:
- Police Protection Directions that give police stronger powers to provide immediate protection for victims.
- The rollout of GPS monitoring for the courts to impose on high-risk perpetrators.
- Delivering the Domestic and Family Violence Peak four years earlier than Labor planned.
- Establishing Queensland's first standalone Sexual Violence Peak after decades of advocacy from the sector.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the Networked Hub reflected the Crisafulli Government's commitment to improving outcomes and delivering help sooner for victims.
"We said we'd deliver this service in North Queensland and from today victims from Ingham to Ayr will be able to pick up the phone and receive the local help they deserve," Minister Camm said.
"During a decade of decline, the former Labor Government failed to hold perpetrators to account or meaningfully protect victims from the scourge of domestic and family violence.
"Staff at UnitingCare, which is operating the 24/7 phoneline, know firsthand the complexity of domestic and family violence and understand that everyone who has the courage to make a phone call to seek help deserves to have that call answered.
"Under the previous Labor government, the DV Connect call answer rate fell to an incredibly disappointing and dangerous rate of 41.9%.
"The Crisafulli government has reformed the process, and the call answer rates are now consistently sitting at close to 80% per month."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the 1800NQSAFE phoneline would help deliver local, tailored support when victims need it most.
"This service means Townsville will have a dedicated crisis response service that understands our local community and can act quickly to protect those most at risk," Mr Baillie said.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to put victims first, hold perpetrators to account, and restore safety where you live."
Member for Mundingburra and Assistant Minister for Community Safety Janelle Poole APM said the North Queensland DFV Networked Hub would deliver the vital services that her community has been calling for.
"Domestic violence does not stop outside the hours of nine to five, so neither should support," Ms Poole said.
"Throughout my nearly thirty years in policing, I know how important it is for victim survivors to receive the support they need, and that's what this funding delivers."
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the Crisafulli Government was delivering more support for victims of domestic and family violence.
"The North Queensland DFV Networked Hub and the 24/7 phoneline is a critical step in providing immediate, local support for victims, while ensuring stronger connections to the specialised services that are essential for recovery and ongoing safety," Ms Marr said
"My community has been calling for change and for increased support, and I am pleased to see the delivery of this new service," she said.
UnitingCare's General Manager, Targeted Support, Family and Disability Services, Joanne Trentin said the need for safety and support doesn't stop at the end of the business day.
"Domestic and family violence can escalate at any hour, and when someone is ready to reach out for help, it's critical that support is there," Ms Trentin said.
"Having support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week means people can reach someone when they need to; someone who can listen, help them understand their options, support safety planning and connect them with the services they need.
"1800NQSAFE is about making that pathway to support simpler and more immediate, so people experiencing domestic and family violence don't have to navigate those moments alone."
