Editorial
Domestic violence package is a good start – but much more is needed
The Minns government’s first wave of reforms aimed at tackling the escalating domestic and family violence crisis is a strong step in the right direction. But it must be the first word on this issue, not the final.
As the Herald’s Michael McGowan reports today, $230 million will be spent addressing both the cause and effect of violence against women. The reforms include a statewide rollout of a program aimed at allowing victims of domestic violence to stay in their own homes, rather than flee violent partners.
The funding includes tens of millions of dollars in extra funding for domestic violence support and prevention. Almost $50 million will go towards the expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program, which aims to allow victims of domestic violence to remain in their own homes.
Another $48 million will be spent on an increase in funding for specialist staff who support children accompanying their mothers to women’s refuges, including support for mental health. Some $24 million will go towards an increase in domestic violence support staff working within the justice system, although recruitment remains a real challenge in this area.
Another $38 million will be used for developing NSW’s first primary prevention strategy to deal with causes of domestic, family and sexual violence, and $8.1 million for a pilot program to teach young people about healthy relationships.
The bulk of the funding will be spread over four years, so this is a relatively modest spend.
However, missing from the reform package is any mention of a royal commission into the scourge of violence against women. Also missing, so far, is any additional funding for crisis accommodation, despite NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson identifying it as a key problem. The Herald revealed last week that the crisis had become so bad in parts of regional NSW that women fleeing domestic violence were being housed in tents and one shelter has been forced to set up a secure car park so women can sleep safely.
The NSW government will also likely unveil a wave of bail reforms later this month. However, Premier Chris Minns will on Monday say $45 million has been set aside for justice reforms.
The Herald is determined to keep pressuring the state and federal governments for meaningful action on this issue. A royal commission must be one part of the government’s response. It is the best way to tackle this issue in the long term, and ventilate new ideas to tackle such a complex societal problem.
Today, we publish another contribution to the debate. In an interview with 60 Minutes reporter Amelia Adams, the family of Dannielle Finlay-Jones, who was murdered by her boyfriend Ashley Gaddie in December 2022, has called for legislative change to protect women.
In addition to bail law reform, the Finlay-Jones family believe introducing police checks on dating apps would be an effective way to help protect innocent women.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been discussing that idea with interstate counterparts and believes it’s “worth looking at”, but concedes such a scheme would take a lot of time and resources to implement and operate.
“I don’t think it applies just to dating apps. It could be in any circumstance where a person has concerns about the person that they’re potentially dating, or a family member may even have concerns,” Webb told Adams. It is a no-brainer idea, but governments need to stop stuffing around and make it a reality.
The state is watching. And judging. Today’s announcements are a good start, but there is so much more to do.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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