SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER 
SHADOW CABINET SECRETARY 
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE 
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 

MORRISON GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO FAIL WOMEN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  

 
Four months after the Morrison Government promised to reverse its funding cuts, desperate frontline domestic violence services are still waiting.  
 
Earlier this year, after significant public pressure, the Morrison Government was forced to continue the emergency pandemic funding for frontline services in the May 2021 Budget, in the form of a new National Partnership.
 
Four months later, nothing has happened.  
 
Mr Morrison’s plan to end the emergency funding in June 2021 was never sustainable. The funding was initially announced in March 2020 to tackle the increase in severity and prevalence of violence during the pandemic. The pandemic hasn’t ended and neither has the violence. 
 
Following the March for Justice, the Morrison Government hastily cobbled together a women’s Budget – with key officials drafted to Treasury just weeks before the Federal Budget. It’s no surprise that key measures have been slow to get out the door.
 
Frontline domestic violence organisations are telling us the delay in funding means ongoing uncertainty about how they are going to keep up with demand and keep their doors open, with staff left wondering about their futures.
  
Australian women are facing a shadow pandemic of domestic violence. They are desperate for support. Just this week we heard reports of women disclosing violence and seeking help when going to vaccination appointments.  
 
How can Australian women trust this Government to deliver for them if they can’t even keep a simple promise? 
 
The Government should guarantee that the services and women who depend on them won’t be adversely affected by this delay. 
 
There should be no further delays, the funds are needed on the ground now.   
 
FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2021 

MEDIA CONTACT: LEILA STENNETT 0436 632 388