Premier's hollow words on family violence betray victims
The Allan Labor Government has slashed funding to critical domestic and family violence programs, despite a 12 per cent rise in reported family violence incidents since 2019, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
At a time when more women and children are at risk, the government has:
- Reduced funding by $32.5 million for primary prevention of family violence. as outlined in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing's output summary. (BP3, pg124)
- Cut housing assistance by $169.4 million - which will impact safe housing options for victims fleeing violence.
- Delayed key housing initiatives intended to support victim-survivors, including:
- Refuge redevelopment projects (delayed 6 months),
- Refuge and crisis accommodation (delayed 1 year and 3 months), and
- An Aboriginal family violence refuge in the Wimmera Southwest area (delayed 1 year and 3 months).
Despite these cuts, the Premier told Parliament she was "proud to stand with victims of domestic violence" a statement that rings hollow considering the government's actions.
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Cindy McLeish, said: "These are not just numbers on a page - they represent women and families with nowhere to go, children forced back into dangerous homes, and communities left without support."
"The Premier can't have it both ways. You can't claim to stand with victims while gutting the very programs that are meant to protect them.
"More words won't solve Victoria's domestic violence crisis. Acting on expert recommendations, properly funding prevention will.
"Victoria deserves a government that backs its words with real action - not a Premier who poses for the photo and walks away.
"Labor can't manage money and Victoria's most vulnerable are paying the price."
