The Albanese Government has called on the states and territories to step up efforts to reduce family violence, with the Commonwealth expected to promise a package of at least $351 million to address the issue. Source: ABC News.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with premiers and chief ministers today to specifically discuss men’s violence against women and children, just weeks after the Government’s own review recommended a full ban on gambling ads, a crackdown on alcohol, and substantial investment in frontline services.
The meeting comes as almost all states continue to lag behind on their commitment to hire 500 frontline workers, with the latest August update on the promise showing just 198 full-time equivalent workers have been employed.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth called on the states to do better and said the Government had held up its end of the deal by providing the funds to the states and territories.
The ABC understands the Albanese Government will bring a $351 million package to the table, with a further $351 million expected to be contributed by the states and territories based on their populations.
Subject to agreement from the rest of the group, it would be the extension of current arrangements set to expire that support frontline services.
Ms Rishworth said the states and territories “now need to deliver” on the agreements they signed up to when they committed to rolling out 352 workers by June this year. The combined national target of 500 is expected by 2026.
FULL STORY
Federal government calls out states for missed DV staffing targets ahead of anticipated $351m support package (By Claudia Long and Isobel Roe, ABC News)
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The $702m plan to help tackle rise in domestic violence (By David Crowe, The Age)
