Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission Yearly Report to Parliament

Haines acknowledged the report's recommendations, particularly regarding early intervention and evidence coordination, noting that only 3.6 per cent of funding currently goes to prevention. Haines highlighted the disproportionate impact of violence on regional and remote communities, where services are limited and privacy concerns are acute. Haines urged the government to establish a national evidence collaboration to connect fragmented data and improve resource allocation.

Ambihaipahar cited the report's drivers of violence, including rigid gender stereotyping, and contrasted these with positive male role models in the community. Ambihaipahar emphasised the specific vulnerabilities of women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including isolation and migration-related abuse. Ambihaipahar called for culturally appropriate services and a justice system that is accessible to those facing language barriers or visa uncertainties.

Chaney focused on the failure of justice and family law systems, describing how legal processes are often weaponised to prolong abuse and exhaust victims. Chaney criticised the lack of implementation of previous recommendations, noting that government responses often end without tangible action. Chaney called for transparent tracking of recommendation implementation and statutory independence for the Commission to ensure accountability.

Scrymgour highlighted the severe impact of violence on First Nations women, noting high rates of unreported violence and hospitalisation in remote communities. Scrymgour praised the establishment of the peak body Our Ways Strong Together and the co-funding of crisis accommodation in Darwin. Scrymgour called for continued collaboration between Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments to address housing and health disparities.

Steggall argued that the government lacked accountability and implementation capacity, citing that 68 per cent of national plan performance measures could not be measured. Steggall highlighted critical gaps in crisis accommodation, noting that frontline services were turning away women due to lack of funding. Steggall called for a royal commission to compel evidence and address government inaction, as well as stronger regulations on alcohol delivery and offender registers.

Templeman acknowledged the government's record investment and specific measures such as the Leaving Violence payment and digital safety laws. Templeman highlighted local prevention programs in Macquarie that were improving attitudes towards respectful relationships among young people. Templeman emphasised the need for continued community engagement and cross-government collaboration to address the multifaceted nature of violence.

Claydon stressed that prevention must be integrated into all services rather than treated as a separate issue. Claydon highlighted the importance of the national risk assessment framework to ensure consistent responses across different sectors. Claydon called for cultural change and community involvement to challenge attitudes that normalise disrespect and control.