The Palaszczuk Government has released a dedicated framework to address the prevalence of domestic and family violence within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the Framework was in response to a recommendation from the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board that identified a need to develop a dedicated family violence strategy as a matter of priority.
“Developed in partnership with the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, the framework is the result of targeted consultation and research with stakeholders including the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, and the Queensland First Children and Families Board,” she said.
“There are many factors which contribute to domestic and family violence. We also know that self-determination, community leadership and community driven action are central to success and sustainability,” she said.
“We need holistic, location-specific and culturally safe approaches and services to successfully address this issue.
“The framework sets the tone for Queensland Government working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure a shared understanding of how best to do this.
“I am confident that working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders about tackling domestic and family violence will achieve better outcomes in the future”.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said the framework confirmed the Palaszczuk Government’s strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders know better than anybody else what works in their communities,” Ms Trad said.
“Over the next two years, six communities will be supported to develop their own targeted, community-led domestic and family violence action plans.
“The new tailored approach will tap into local knowledge and champion communities to decide which and when services are required and how they’re delivered.”
Ms Trad said the new framework built on the significant progress of the Not Now, Not Ever recommendations and Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $150 million in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-delivered services to provide Family Wellbeing Services across Queensland,” Ms Trad said.
“We know more needs to be done, that’s why we’re committed through the new framework to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to make a difference in Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
The Framework for Action – Reshaping our Approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Domestic and Family Violence can be found here:
