The Minister for Family Violence has shamefully deflected responsibility for Victoria's family violence crisis, shifting blame onto the housing minister, instead of taking action on emergency accommodation.
Today, under questioning in State Parliament's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC), the Minister was unable to explain recent funding cuts or failures to initiate new family violence prevention programs.
The 2025/26 Budget papers reveal that funding for Family Violence Service Delivery has been cut by more than $24 million. More than $8 million has also been slashed from primary prevention.
PAEC heard 120 households per night, on average, are being forced to take refuge in motel accommodation due to the government's failure to provide adequate emergency shelter. Independent analysis by Urbis, puts the value of motel nights at $840 per family.
This includes the intervention and case management services required to support vulnerable families fleeing violence.
The Allan Labor Government has failed to provide Safe Steps with the $3.9 million needed to operate 28 high-security crisis shelter units, funded by the Federal Government. These shelters could accommodate nearly 1,000 women and children each year.
This means family violence services are now working with local motel owners to organise emergency accommodation - whilst this is appreciated, it isn't a long-term solution and can be fraught with risks.
Safe Steps reports that 93 per cent of critical incidents occur in motels, including child abduction and self-harm.
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Cindy McLeish, said victims trying to escape domestic violence are being punished for Labor's incompetence.
"The Labor Government is happy to have 28 high security crisis shelter units remain empty, rather than adequately supporting those fleeing family violence," McLeish said.
"Clearly, the Allan Labor Government does not take this issue seriously. They have had four ministers in three and a half years.
"The Labor Government knows and agrees motel accommodation is far from ideal for victims yet refuse to solve it - which is to provide Safe Steps with the needed funding."
"This reduction in funding shows that Labor cannot manage money, and vulnerable Victorians are paying the price."
