Tasmania Boosts Funds to Combat Gender-Based Violence

The Albanese Labor Government has announced an additional $16.5 million to strengthen two key initiatives across Tasmania that respond to and prevent family, domestic, and sexual violence.

A $14.8 million boost will continue the 500 Workers Initiative in Tasmania, with funding to be rolled out through to 2030.

A well resourced, well-paid workforce is essential to supporting victim survivors in a timely, trauma informed way.

This investment will ensure workers hired as part of the 500 Workers Initiative over the past four years continue to deliver critical services to Tasmanian residents impacted by violence.

This forms part of a $291.7 million national commitment to strengthen the sustainability and security of this critical workforce.

Alongside record investments towards frontline services, the Government is also backing programs that stop violence before it starts and break cycles of harm for good.

An extra $1.7 million will be invested in the Respectful Men Program, bringing the total Commonwealth investment for the program to $3.2 million.

The program, delivered by the Tasmanian Government, empowers men who are serving time in prison to stop using violence, build respectful relationships, and create a better future for themselves and their families.

Evidence shows that when there are gaps between the supports offered in prison and in the community, the risk that perpetrators will return to their past violent behaviour increases.

This funding boost will strengthen continuity of care, enabling the Respectful Men Program to better engage men during incarceration and support their transition back home and into their community.

While investments into prevention and response initiatives like these have led to progress, many Australians continue to experience violence.

The Government acknowledges that more work is needed to reduce harm and save lives.

That's why consultations are underway across the country to identify what more we can do to deliver practical and systemic solutions that have the greatest impact.

The Assistant Minister for Social Services, Ged Kearney, alongside the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, will meet with sector leaders and experts in Hobart this week to hear firsthand insights.

These consultations will help to develop the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.