The recent announcement from the national cabinet regarding a $4.7 billion plan to enhance frontline family violence services is a significant and welcome step toward addressing this critical issue across Australia.

What the $4.7 billion plan includes

The package, set to roll out from July next year, includes much-needed ongoing funding for legal and support services. It will increase the funding for legal aid matters and for intervention programs targeting high-risk perpetrators. The legal aid boost, specifically aimed at responding to gender-based violence, is essential for those on the frontlines providing vital legal support to victims.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted that many of these services were at risk of falling off a ‘funding cliff’ come July 2024. By addressing this issue, the government is ensuring that legal and support services can continue to provide for those in need, knowing they will have sustained resources to do so.

However, despite the positives, concerns remain about the package on offer. Many community legal centers believe that while the funding will help, it will not fully address the overwhelming demand for their services within the community. Some centers are already turning people away due to lack of capacity. With no new services intended to be established with the funding included in this announcement, the pressure on existing support services will likely continue.

Addressing the root causes of family violence

The government’s plan also includes innovative approaches to identifying and responding to high-risk perpetrators, to focus on breaking the cycle of violence. As Prime Minister Albanese noted, many perpetrators of family violence have experienced it themselves, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and cultural change.

In addition to direct support, the package tackles broader social issues contributing to violence, such as alcohol, gambling, and the harmful influence of social media. A review of alcohol and gambling laws has been agreed upon by the states. The government is also considering stricter regulations around social media, where online abuse often mirrors or fuels domestic violence behaviors.

How Parker Coles Curtis assists

As a family law firm, we see firsthand the devastating impact that domestic and family violence can have on individuals and families. We understand the intersection between family violence, trauma, mental health and addiction and we do our part in addressing domestic violence in a number of ways.

• First, our community support and initiatives are aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and those going through a difficult time in Canberra and its surrounds. For example, we support organisations working tirelessly to protect and support victim-survivors, such as Karinya House, Menslink, YWCA and Women’s Legal Centre. 
• We also provide various organisations, that deal with a large number of domestic violence matters, with pro bono legal support. 
• We have established connections with appropriate providers, so that our clients can access domestic violence support services.
• We support everyday people with legal advice and advocacy, to navigate the difficult and distressing legal system that they may be required to interact with, where an abusive (or allegedly abusive) relationship has ended.

The work ahead is substantial. While this funding announcement is a positive development, we must continue advocating for greater resources and ensuring that no one is left without help when they need it most.

Parker Coles Curtis is dedicated to helping victim-survivors rise-up through the challenges of family violence and advocating for their safety, rights, and justice. Our team adopt a trauma-informed approach to assisting our clients to ensure that they have wholistic support during a confronting time of their lives. 

We also guide people who are accused by their partner of perpetrating family violence during their relationship or post separation, to navigate the often-complex intersection of family violence and family law. 

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, please reach out to the services available, and know that help is always within reach.