Question Time AU

General Debate

Milsons Point Post Office, Domestic and Family Violence

House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Zali Steggall announced that the Milsons Point post office would remain open following community advocacy and government engagement. She then detailed outcomes from a domestic and family violence roundtable, highlighting severe strain on crisis centres and mental health services. Steggall called for systemic reforms including visa changes for victims, improved housing data systems, specialist courts, and prevention measures such as banning gambling advertising.

Outcome

The debate concluded with Steggall urging the government to implement prevention recommendations, including banning gambling advertising and supporting men's peer-to-peer programs.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Zali Steggall (Warringah) (Independent) Ind

Steggall reported that the Milsons Point post office would remain open after coordinated advocacy by local residents and engagement with the Prime Minister and New South Wales Transport Minister. Steggall attributed this outcome to community persistence and government responsiveness regarding rental conditions at the site. Steggall then shifted focus to domestic and family violence, citing a roundtable that revealed crisis centres were overwhelmed, with demand for shelter rising significantly since 2020. Steggall argued that current funding models were insufficient and overly regulated, preventing organisations from effectively addressing high rental costs and immediate needs. Steggall advocated for specific policy changes, including visa adjustments for partner visa holders, a centralised housing vacancy database, and the establishment of specialist domestic violence courts.