Turnbull Government To Tackle Domestic Violence With $41M+ Pledge

Following newly-minted PM Malcolm Turnbull‘s first interview in the top job this week—in which he spoke with Lisa Wilkinson on Today, saying, “real men don’t hit women”—the Turnbull Government is set to propel domestic violence to the forefront of the national agenda, with a multi-million dollar package into the issue to be announced today.

The package will be unveiled alongside Australian of the Year Rosie Batty and newly-appointed Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash. 9 News pits the package to sit at around $41 million; while the Sydney Morning Herald reports the funding boost could exceed $100 million.

Regardless, according to The Guardian, the new strategies are designed to raise awareness of the national scourge against women and families, educating front-line workers—such as police officers, social workers, GPs and hospital staff—to provide better service, counsel and identification of domestic violence in early stages.

Specialised units on domestic violence will also be created within pre-established legal aid centres to bring legal, translation and social services for family violence cases under a single roof. 

Michaelia Cash spoke on the responsibility the Government holds over domestic violence in Australian homes.

“We all have a role to play in ending this vile epidemic, and we are all responsible for affecting change: in our families, schools, sport teams, workplace, and communities. We know that the attitudes that allow violence against women are based on disrespect and we must encourage respectful relationships through education to effect cultural change.”