The CLP Finocchiaro Government is providing a record funding boost to address domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) with a commitment to invest $36 million a year in ongoing, sustainable funding.
In Parliament today, Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence, Robyn Cahill, announced the additional investment which will deliver annual DFSV funding beyond the five-year election commitment.
“Our ongoing investment addresses sector uncertainty and looming funding deadlines for critical frontline DFSV services and programs that support victim-survivors,” said Ms Cahill.
“Those impacted be DFSV across the Territory will be better supported with ongoing funding for programs and services that will support the sector to intervene earlier and address root causes and respond to DFSV.
“With an 82% increase in domestic violence assaults over the past 8 years under Labor, status quo isn’t an option and that’s why while we will continue to evaluate and review programs, we can then make sure we are spending this money in the right areas.
“Behaviour change programs are an area we are exploring further because it all starts with behaviour change, and we need to make sure these programs are as effective as they can be.
“An example of achieving real outcomes, the Circuit Breaker program has been a huge success and has been rolled out across the Territory.
“Circuit Breaker is a response to recommendations 7 and 15 from the coronial inquiry last year. Circuit Breaker is about equipping families with the tools they need to make positive changes and holding everyone accountable, intervening early to help children and families.”
There have been 75 active Circuit Breaker cases so far, with 55 of those leading to family responsibility agreements.
Funding allocations and budget details will be announced as part of the annual Budget process in May.
“We have identified a number of programs whose funding ends on June 30,” said Ms Cahill.
“We will be extending those programs for an additional 12 months as part of the $36m funding giving programs surety while we continue to review Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence funding to make sure we are getting the right outcomes for all Territorians.”
