Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission Yearly Report to Parliament

Watson-Brown criticised the government for inadequate funding for housing and crisis response, noting that approximately 12,000 women and children were denied accommodation each year. Watson-Brown argued that financial abuse reforms were a first step but required more comprehensive measures such as debt waivers for abuse victims. Watson-Brown warned that prevention funding must not replace immediate crisis support services which are at breaking point.

Comer outlined government investments including $3.9 billion in legal services and reforms to prevent the weaponisation of social security and child support systems. Comer emphasised the need for early intervention and prevention, particularly regarding online harms and the impact of misogynistic content on young people. Comer highlighted the importance of teaching healthy relationships and respecting boundaries to prevent violence before it escalates.

Smith argued that more men need to be involved in addressing the root causes of domestic violence. Smith shared anecdotes about men seeking to break cycles of abuse and become better fathers and partners. Smith called for men to challenge harmful behaviours in their communities and sporting clubs. Smith emphasised that kindness and gentleness are strengths and essential components of healthy masculinity.

Miller-Frost presented statistics on family violence-related murders and suicides, highlighting the severe impact of coercive control. Miller-Frost detailed government actions including paid domestic violence leave, legal reforms, and investments in First Nations-specific plans. Miller-Frost discussed the long-term trauma associated with violence and the need for a whole-of-community approach involving housing, health, and technology regulation.

Cook shared her experiences as a nurse witnessing the barriers women face when trying to leave violent situations. Cook highlighted new investments in emergency housing and the establishment of a national risk assessment framework. Cook criticised opposition comments that downplayed the prevalence of domestic violence in certain areas. Cook emphasised the importance of believing victim-survivors and providing them with safe refuge.

Coker noted that one woman is killed every 11 days due to family or sexual violence. Coker discussed the need for better coordination between services and earlier intervention to prevent crises. Coker highlighted the role of digital duty of care legislation in combating online misogyny. Coker praised the introduction of paid family violence leave and the shift in societal attitudes towards viewing violence as a public responsibility.

Ng highlighted the disproportionate impact of violence on First Nations communities and the rise in sexual violence reports. Ng discussed the findings of a study showing concerning attitudes towards feminism and gender roles among young men. Ng emphasised the need for men to take responsibility for changing culture and modelling healthy relationships. Ng supported government actions on online harms and the importance of therapeutic support alongside case management.

Cook criticised the pace of progress and highlighted the failure of family law systems to protect victim-survivors. Cook emphasised the need to recognise children as victims in their own right and to intervene earlier with boys and young men. Cook noted that crisis response alone is insufficient and called for greater investment in prevention and early intervention. Cook stressed the importance of co-designing policies with those who have lived experience of violence.