Australian Greens: Full funding, not just words, needed to end family and domestic violence

The Greens welcome the release of the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, but without additional funding or meaningful targets the ambitious plan is just words. 

Lines attributable to Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson for Women, Senator Larissa Waters

“The Greens have been fighting hard for progress on a National Plan for decades alongside victim-survivors, activists and women’s organisations.

“The plan released today includes laudable goals and a welcome centring of the voices of victim-survivors. But without an increase in funding or meaningful targets, it offers little relief to those trying to escape family and domestic violence today. 

“No one should be turned away from a frontline support service when they seek help, but we know that is what is happening across the country because services are stretched beyond capacity. 

“The sector has repeatedly called for a $1B per year investment in response and prevention to ensure needs can be met. But their calls have so far gone unheeded by a government more focused on delivering tax cuts for the rich.

“The housing crisis is felt even more acutely by women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Women are forced to choose between abuse or homelessness, because there is nowhere to go. 

“Urgent funding for crisis and emergency accommodation as well as long term affordable housing will benefit all Australians and should be prioritised over tax cuts for the rich. 

“We welcome recognition in the Plan that tackling unacceptable rates of violence against First Nations women is an urgent national priority. But there is little detail about when a standalone First Nations Plan will be in place, and no commitment on funding it. First Nations women deserve more certainty.

“Ending violence against women within one generation is possible. But a $1 billion problem can’t be fixed with a $0 plan.”