The Albanese Government’s “rapid review” of how to best prevent violence against women will begin today in Sydney before its advice is delivered later this year. Source: ABC News.
The review signals a potential shift in direction for the Government, with its panel including strong critics of current prevention strategies.
The Albanese Government has been heavily criticised by the domestic, sexual and family violence response sector following the federal Budget, which was described by frontline workers as “trickery and deception”.
The “rapid review” will cost $1.3 million over two years and will be led by Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin, director of the Commonwealth Office for Women Padma Raman, and secretary of the Department of Social Services Ray Griggs.
The panel’s report is due between July and September, though a specific date has not yet been set.
Advocates, frontline workers and peak bodies have said they have reached saturation point on consultation on what governments must do to prevent and respond to violence against women and children.
They have called for urgent, ongoing funding for services, and for recommendations from previous reviews to be followed through.
An expert panel, which will include journalist and critic of current prevention strategies Jess Hill, will conduct the review alongside Ms Cronin, Ms Raman and Mr Griggs.
The review follows recent crisis talks convened by the commissioner which examined how to stop men killing women, as well as a national cabinet meeting on the issue.
The review comes amid criticism of the Government’s response to violence against women.
But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth have defended the Government’s record on the issue, pointing to $3.4 billion in funding to combat the problem since Labor came to government in 2022.
FULL STORY
Expert panel to tell government how to prevent violence against women and children (By Claudia Long, ABC News)
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