Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Cook described the situation as a national emergency, noting that 78 women were killed in the previous year. Cook praised the government's $4 billion investment under the National Plan and highlighted specific local services in Queensland. Cook called for deeper engagement with lived experience and urged action against online harms, including predatory technologies and the manosphere.

Briskey detailed the government's commitment of over $4 billion since 2022 across prevention, response, and recovery measures. Briskey highlighted a 40 per cent funding boost to 1800RESPECT and the permanent status of the Leaving Violence Program. Briskey announced a 72 per cent funding increase for frontline workers through the 500 Workers Initiative, emphasising the need to stabilise the workforce to meet demand.

Clutterham shared a constituent's story of financial and physical abuse to illustrate the complexity of navigating support systems. Clutterham referenced the South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and its 120 recommendations. Clutterham argued that empowering women through fair wages and superannuation on parental leave provides agency, while directly addressing perpetrators as the source of the problem.

McCormack cited local statistics from his electorate, noting over 1,000 cases of domestic violence in the previous year. McCormack criticised misogynistic content in media and called for men to take responsibility for changing cultural attitudes. McCormack highlighted the strain on police resources and argued for tougher court responses, while welcoming government funding initiatives for shelters and care.

Smith framed domestic violence as a men's issue, urging male accountability and intervention among peers. Smith shared stories from Indigenous women in his electorate and emphasised the need to support men in changing their behaviours before violence escalates. Smith praised the government's investment in legal services and high-risk perpetrator monitoring, calling for community-wide responsibility.

Steggall argued that despite government spending, outcomes are not improving sufficiently, citing long wait times for shelters in her electorate. Steggall called for a royal commission to elevate the issue and strengthen the Commission's powers to compel data and hold governments accountable. Steggall advocated for a national offender register, stronger sentencing, and bans on gambling advertising and alcohol promotion as key prevention measures.

France highlighted the disproportionate impact of violence on women with disabilities and First Nations women. France detailed government investments including $3.9 billion for legal assistance and the permanent leaving violence payment. France stated that funding for frontline workers increased by 72 per cent and noted the release of the first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan to end family violence.

Belyea acknowledged her own lived experience of domestic violence and supported the inquiry into violence-related suicide. Belyea reiterated the government's $4 billion investment and specific allocations for crisis housing and child-focused counselling. Belyea emphasised the importance of the standalone national plan for First Nations people and the need for men to play a central role in ending violence.

Mascarenhas discussed the barriers to leaving violence, such as financial insecurity and lack of awareness of support entitlements. Mascarenhas highlighted the inquiry into the link between domestic violence and suicide, citing the case of Molly Wilkes. Mascarenhas also noted government consultations on combating financial abuse through coerced directorships and the importance of protective behaviours in families.

Ng emphasised the role of community legal centres in supporting survivors and highlighted local services in his electorate. Ng supported the government's investment in frontline workers and the inquiry into violence-related suicide. Ng argued that ending violence requires centring the lived experience of survivors and engaging men to challenge harmful stereotypes of masculinity.

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Repacholi argued that men must actively participate in ending domestic, family and sexual violence by taking responsibility and changing behaviours. Repacholi cited the Commissioner's report, noting that nearly one in three men self-report using violence against an intimate partner. Repacholi emphasised that violence is a men's health issue, requiring early intervention through emotional literacy education for boys. Repacholi urged a unified national strategy for positive male identity and improved funding for evidence-based behavioural change programs.