Catholic Social Services Australia says the Albanese government’s major funding boost to the Northern Territory’s domestic, family and sexual violence response is a vital step in addressing critical challenges faced by communities in the Territory.
CSSA’s chief executive Jerry Nockles commended the government’s commitment on Friday to invest $17 million to strengthen frontline services, prevent violence, and save lives in the Northern Territory.
“We are inspired by the words of Pope Leo XIV in his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, where he calls us to ‘get our hands dirty in the construction zone of our time’,” Dr Nockles said.
“This powerful message reminds us that real change demands active, hands-on engagement with the complex realities faced by vulnerable people.”
“Our member CatholicCare NT’s participation in the recent roundtable discussions reflects the collaborative spirit essential to making meaningful progress.
“CSSA and our members like CatholicCare NT stand ready to work hand in hand with both Federal and Northern Territory governments to ensure this funding translates into effective frontline services, prevention initiatives and ongoing support for victim-survivors.”
CSSA noted the federal and Territory ministers’ emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and culturally appropriate responses, which align closely with the sector’s priorities.
A number of CSSA members operate in the Northern Territory, including Jesuit Social Services and MacKillop Family Services, contributing vital services and support to vulnerable individuals and families across the region.
CSSA director of policy and advocacy, Carmel Sefian, said these services continue to face significant challenges in recruiting, training and retaining skilled practitioners, including a strong and sustainable family, domestic and sexual violence frontline workforce.
“We welcome the government’s recognition of sustained investment in workforce capacity to ensure victim-survivors receive the timely, high-quality support they need,” Ms Sefian said.
“We are pleased workforce issues are a key pillar of the second action plan consultations under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children,” she added.
CatholicCare NT chief executive Jayne Lloyd also welcomed the investment, which she said provides certainty that critical services can continue to support victim-survivors and their families across the Territory.
“We will continue to call for appropriate, ongoing investment in prevention and early intervention, alongside secure, long-term funding for specialist family violence services funded by the Australian government, so that communities can access the support they need now and into the future,” Ms Lloyd said.
FULL STORY
