Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:54): My question is to the Minister for Women and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Emma House in Warrnambool, a specialist community legal centre offering free trauma-informed legal assistance to women and children experiencing family violence, has faced multiple closures, most recently six weeks ago, due to governance failures. When will the minister urgently intervene to ensure staffing support is provided to Emma House? Despite renewed federal funding and clear demand, the service has been severely impacted. Solicitors have reportedly resigned over ethical concerns, and staff warnings have been ignored. Alarmingly, full-time employees remain on payroll while unable to work. In health and aged care agency staff are routinely used to maintain essential services, so we know it can be done.

Women and children in the south-west are being left without critical legal support. In fact I understand there was a victim-survivor who felt she had no option but to return home to her abuser. Immediate action is needed to restore this vital service and protect women.