Despite clear calls from the family, sexual and domestic violence sector that current funding is failing to meet demand, there were no significant new announcements for frontline services in last night's budget.
The Greens welcome the $182M commitment to finally address the weaponisation of the child support system that has trapped many single parents fleeing violent relationships in poverty.
Likewise the already-announced Our Ways, Strong Ways, Our Voices and a dedicated First Nations body to drive its implementation; this plan is critical to turning around shocking rates of violence against First Nations women and children.
As put by Australian Greens leader and spokesperson on women, Larissa Waters
"Last night's Budget continues the government's refusal to step up and commit the funding needed to address the crisis of violence against women and children. Women needed action, not reannouncements and spin. Failing to act puts more women at risk.
"The additional funding to the 500 Workers program is welcome, but will barely touch the sides of a sector heaving under the weight of increasing demand, exhaustion and burn out."
"Ensuring more police and healthcare workers are trauma-informed and can respond to women who disclose abuse is positive. But with no funding for the services victim-survivors are being referred to, too many women will not get the support they need.
"One clear win in this Budget is a $182M commitment to finally address the weaponisation of the child support system that has trapped many single parents fleeing violent relationships in poverty. A big shout out to the Single Mother Families Association and others for their tenacity over many years to secure this reform.
"We also welcome funding for the independent review into sexual abuse in the Australian Defence Force. The many victim-survivors who have come forward to tell their stories deserve real reforms so no one else has to experience the same abuse.
"Getting rid of non-compete clauses will remove a barrier for women leaving exploitative jobs. What should also be done is getting rid of non-disclosure agreements, so women are not silenced about abuse they experience at work.
"This Government managed to find $53 billion for war, but barely anything to keep women and children safe at home. It is an absolute indictment on their priorities.
"18 women have already been murdered this year, perpetration rates are rising, wait times for sexual assault support services can be up to 12 months, and women and children are being turned away from crisis shelters every night, yet the Budget will not fund any significant increase to services.
"After last night, women will still be turned away when they seek help. They will still fear leaving a violent relationship because there is nowhere for them to live, and no new support to rebuild their life."
