- Cook Labor Government committing $10.7 million in next month's State Budget for continuation of Ruah's Safe Night Space for women
- Safe Night Space provides shelter and support for women experiencing homelessness, including survivors of family and domestic violence
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to supporting safe and inclusive communities
The Cook Labor Government will deliver $10.7 million over four years to ensure continued safety and support for women experiencing homelessness through the Safe Night Space program.
The funding will be announced as part of the 2026-27 State Budget and will see Ruah continue to provide safe and culturally secure overnight shelter for women experiencing homelessness, many of whom are survivors of family and domestic violence.
Based at the Ruah Engagement Hub in Northbridge, the service operates seven nights a week from 7pm to 7am, offering vulnerable people a safe place to rest, access to support services, and referral pathways into longerterm accommodation.
The allocated funding is an increase on previous funding levels to also enable dedicated case management and followup supports during daytime hours to help address ongoing needs.
The State Government is committed to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness and currently funds more than 130 services to deliver critical supports across Western Australia. Safe Night Space offers a vital first step for women experiencing rough sleeping, providing safety, dignity, and a pathway into secure accommodation.
The continuation of the Safe Night Space builds on the Cook Labor Government's proven track record of supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence, which now reflects a record investment of more than $700 million since 2017.
As stated by Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Safe Night Space service has helped hundreds of women find shelter and sanctuary, offering safety and the support needed to move forward out of homelessness.
"The Cook Labor Government continues to work collaboratively with community service organisations such as Ruah to support vulnerable women find shelter and access to longer-term, secure accommodation.
"The $10.7 million committed in the up-coming State Budget will provide on-going certainty and hope for women escaping violence, supported by the wonderful staff at Ruah."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"For many women, the moment they decide to leave violence is one of the bravest, and most dangerous, moments of their lives.
"Women need somewhere safe to go, right away. A place where they can take a breath, gather their thoughts, and know they are safe.
"The Safe Night Space offers that.
"The Cook Labor Government continues to invest record funding in initiatives that reduce the risk of family and domestic violence in Western Australia as part of our commitment to safe and inclusive communities."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"This is a significant investment to keep this vital service operating in the city and builds on our government's previous interventions to ensure the Safe Night Space could continue.
"The Safe Night Space provides shelter for vulnerable women, including those escaping domestic violence.
"It's one of a number of measures we are taking to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, with our government also delivering two Common Ground facilities."
