Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Opened the debate

Steggall argued that violence against women and children had reached crisis levels, citing 45 female and 19 child deaths recorded by Australian Femicide Watch in the current year. Steggall highlighted systemic failures in police and institutional responses, referencing the inadequate handling of the Lindy Lucena case and recent sexual assault allegations involving young men and professional athletes. Steggall called for the establishment of a national domestic violence offender register and stronger bail and sentencing laws. Steggall urged the government to either empower the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner to compel information or establish a royal commission to examine systemic failures.

Government response

Plibersek stated that the government was committed to ending violence against women and was implementing over 4.4 billion dollars in measures for frontline services and prevention. Plibersek argued against a royal commission, noting that over 1,000 recommendations from previous inquiries already existed and required implementation rather than further investigation. Plibersek criticised state governments in Queensland and the Northern Territory for cutting funding to domestic violence services. Plibersek detailed Commonwealth investments in crisis housing, legal services, and the leaving violence payment, while emphasising the need to address online misogyny and support real-world role models.