This funding from Labor doubles the current government’s $328 million commitment.
Bill Shorten has pledged an extra $332 million over four years as part of his action to make family violence a national priority. The funding will be directed towards early intervention, frontline services, legal support, education programs and emergency accommodation.
Shorten said while our willingness to talk about domestic has perhaps changed, the number of deaths in Australia from family violence had not.
“And to be really blunt – in a crisis, words don’t put a roof over your head,” Shorten wrote on Twitter.
“Words don’t pay the bills if your partner has closed your accounts and frozen your card. They don’t help you steer through the legal minefield of the courts.
“If you’re caught up in the frightening, dangerous ordeal of family violence – what you need is practical help, real money, concrete support on the frontline.”
Excellent and extremely welcome news. Thank you @billshortenmp and @AustralianLabor for recognising the urgent need to address #domesticviolence #womensrefuges #legalaid #safetyforwomenandkidsescapingviolence https://t.co/684od3lj2h
— Anne Summers (@SummersAnne) April 26, 2019
While launching Labor’s women’s policy platform in Melbourne on Friday morning, Shorten detailed the commitment.
“I am very proud that at the heart of our plan for a fair go for all Australians is our determination to achieve equality for the women of Australia.”
“A fair go means freedom from violence.”
“If you’re caught up in this frightening, dangerous ideal of family violence, what you need is practical help. You need real money, concrete support.”
LIVE from Melbourne – Equality for the women of Australia is at the heart of Labor’s vision for the future. https://t.co/lkHglcoxD1
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) April 26, 2019