Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced an extra $30 million to go towards support for victims of domestic, family and sexual violence.
The funding will be provided over the next four years and is on top of a $7.5 million commitment in 2020 that was announced to address increased demand in services during COVID-19.
Queensland treasurer Cameron Dick said the $30 million would provide survivors with better access to supporting, counselling and programs to help rebuild their lives.
“That support involves immediate emergency assistance to provide safety from dangerous situations, but also long-term measures that provide women and children with stability, security and a safer future,” Dick said.
In a statement released today, the premier acknowledged that ‘recent tragic events reminded us again of how critical support services are to Queensland women when they come forward’.
“We know there is still a lot of work to do and that’s why we have established the independent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce to examine how best to legislate against coercive control in Queensland and to examine more broadly women’s experiences in the criminal justice system,” Palaszczuk said.
“Public submissions are now open for women to come forward and confidentially and securely share their experiences and insights and I encourage them to do so.”
Shannon Fentiman, Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said the government understands that more must be done to end violence against women.
“Funding will be made available to help existing services meet the immediate demand in the short term, with consideration being given to how the funding should be prioritised in the longer term to respond to community need,” she added.
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