Thursday, 2 November 2023

Ministers statements: family violence

Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Employment) (14:12): The Allan Labor government continues to lead the nation on the prevention of family violence reform. We have invested more than $3.86 billion and implemented all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Yesterday in Parliament I hosted Respect Victoria, who are celebrating their fifth anniversary. I thank them for the important work they have done over the last five years and for the work that they will continue to do in keeping Victorians safe.

Prevention is key if we are to end family violence and keep our homes safe. It is an unfortunate reality that it is often the victim-survivor who has to leave their home to be safe rather than the violent perpetrator. Victim-survivors are at the forefront of the Allan Labor government’s landmark housing statement. That is why we have committed to building 1000 new homes across the state specifically for those who are experiencing family violence. The Big Housing Build has begun to deliver more supply for those fleeing dangerous situations, with one in eight new social housing dwellings reserved for family violence victim-survivors. In 2020 alone we allocated 809 houses to Victorians needing a safe place to go as well as providing support for women and children in private rentals. Each year we provide over 6500 flexible support packages to help support individual financial and housing needs.

This government is focused on how we can end family violence, and it is through our fantastic sector workforce, particularly those frontline workers, that we are able to continue to work towards this goal. This includes Respect Victoria and their important work, and I thank all in this chamber who in the spirit of bipartisan support signed Respect Victoria’s pledge yesterday to end family violence. I do hope that the Leader of the Opposition also finds the time to add his signature.