This week, both Labor and the Coalition have announced their policies to reduce the rates of gender-based violence.
According to Counting Dead Women Australia, 14 women have been allegedly murdered due to gender-based violence so far this year.
Last year, the federal and state governments called gender-based violence a “national crisis” and dedicated more than $900 million to frontline services.
Both major parties have committed to continuing an existing 10-year plan to end gendered violence. Here’s what else they are promising.
National Plan
The Federal Government’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children was introduced in November 2022.
It was the second iteration of the plan, first rolled out by the Gillard Government in 2010. The first plan failed in its goal to reduce violence against women.
Since the latest plan was introduced, the rate of gendered violence related deaths has increased each year.
Labor
If elected, Labor said it will build on its existing programs, which include increasing funding to frontline services for those fleeing violence, such as crisis accommodation.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
$85 million to trial new policing approaches to stop “high-risk perpetrators,” including ankle bracelet monitoring.
It’s also promised to deliver a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan “soon,” which it says has been developed in consultation with First Nations communities.
Coalition
If elected, the Coalition has committed $90 million to “further address” gender-based violence, including setting up a national register of offenders.
It would criminalise using a phone “to cause an intimate partner or family member to fear for their personal safety,” with stronger bail laws.
Additionally, it would launch a Royal Commission into Sexual Abuse in Indigenous communities. Liberal Senator Kerrynne Liddle said First Nations women are “32% more likely to experience abuse” than non-Indigenous women.
Greens
The Greens have put forward a $15 billion plan to tackle domestic violence, most of which would go towards “fully funding” the 10-year national plan.
It would also increase the payment provided to those fleeing partner violence, which is currently $5,000, including $1,500 in cash for everyday essentials.
Set up a national “domestic violence disclosure” register, where anyone who believes they are at risk can find out if their partner has a history of violent offences.
