- Cook Government establishing new entity focused on training and workforce development for professionals responding to family and domestic violence
- $6 million over three years will establish the entity to improve workers' knowledge, skills and capabilities to support victim-survivors and respond to perpetrators
- A request for tender to lead the entity is now open on Tenders WA
The Cook Labor Government is calling for organisations to deliver a new entity to strengthen training and workforce development for frontline professionals responding to family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
A tender process is now open, with the State Government committing $6 million over three years to support the establishment and operation of the entity, which will equip workers with the skills and knowledge to deliver safety-focused and culturally appropriate responses to victim-survivors and perpetrators.
The workforce entity will be responsible for planning and delivering workforce development initiatives, facilitating high-quality training and supporting implementation of key system reform actions.
The need for a dedicated family and domestic violence workforce entity has been identified in the Strengthening Responses to Family and Domestic Violence: System Reform Plan 2024 to 2029.
The system reform plan encompasses all government and non-government organisations that have a role in working with people impacted by family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
The plan is focused on building a service system that is collaborative, connected and organised around victim-survivor safety, recovery and re-establishment.
To achieve this vision, the plan outlines 17 actions across four focus areas including risk assessment, risk management, information sharing and workforce development.
The entity's operating model has been developed through engagement with peak bodies, specialist family and domestic violence service providers, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, key government departments and interjurisdictional counterparts across the State.
More information about the tender process can be found on Tenders WA.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"This new workforce entity is another step in the Cook Labor Government's steadfast efforts to prevent family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
"Supporting organisations and workers to have the right knowledge, skills and training is crucial to the State Government's commitment to ending the scourge of family violence in our community.
"This workforce entity will boost the capability of frontline workers and organisations through stewardship, training opportunities, and better collaboration between sector groups."
