The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today tabled its response in Parliament to the Coroner's recommendations from the inquests into the deaths of Miss Yunupiŋu, Ngeygo Ragurrk, Kumarn Rubuntja and Kumanjayi Haywood.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF), as the lead agency for whole-of-government domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) policy, is coordinating the Territory's response.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Robyn Cahill said the DFSV Prevention and Response Roadmap is being developed to set strategic priorities for this funding.
"As part of our year of action, certainty and security, the CLP Government is investing a record $36 million each year to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence, supporting the sector to intervene earlier, hold offenders accountable and address the root causes of violence," Ms Cahill said.
Extensive consultation with government, non-government agencies, advocacy groups and experts found that 24 of the 35 recommendations related to programs or processes already in place.
"Some of these measures have been in place for years without delivering the results we need. That's why we are developing the DFSV Roadmap," Ms Cahill said.
"We know domestic violence assaults have risen over the past 8 years. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results."
One new recommendation (Recommendation 15) called for early intervention to break the cycle of violence for young people.
This led to the creation of the innovative Circuit Breaker Program, which targets at-risk youth and holds parents accountable.
So far, 94 children and their families have been referred for support across domestic violence, health and education, providing intensive family assistance.
The CLP Government supports 22 recommendations, accepts 10 in principle, and does not support 3:
Establishing a DFSV peak body (already in place via NTCOSS and the DFSV Training and Resource Centre).Trialling BDR scanners in licensed venues (venues breaching compliance can already be referred to the Liquor Commission for on-premises BDR conditions).Indexation of grant funding (considered as part of the annual budget process).
The DFSV Roadmap will commence following final consultation with key stakeholders.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is not just responding to recommendations - we are building a system that is stronger, more accountable and more compassionate, to make the Territory safer," Ms Cahill said.
