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South Australia announces 4 million response to domestic violence research
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South Australia announces $674 million response to domestic violence research

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The South Australian government has accepted 129 of 136 recommendations “in full, in principle or in part”, with four noted and three not accepted, including a proposed ban on parental hitting of children.
Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja presented her findings in August following a year-long investigation into the deaths of four SA women in a week.

She said significant investment was needed to seize “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to tackle the scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence.

In response, SA Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas said on Friday that $674 million would be spent over ten years, with the first funding, which will be detailed in the government’s mid-term budget review, released before Christmas.
Malinauskas said Labor would introduce changes to alcohol laws if it was returned to the government at the March election “immediately after the sitting of parliament”.

This includes recommendations to introduce a two-hour ‘safety pause’ between ordering and delivery, adjusting delivery times from 10am to 10pm and making minimizing damage a key aim of the Liquor Act.

Ayla Chorley, chief executive of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, said the rise of “largely unregulated online sales and rapid delivery of alcohol” had increased the risk of harm for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
“We appreciate the Prime Minister’s commitment today to deliver on his promise to women and children in South Australia,” she said
“We must get these laws through parliament without delay.”

The government had been “very deliberate in tailoring its response”, ensuring that money would be invested in changing the nature of services provided to victims and not in “creating layers of bureaucracy”, Malinauskas said.

The investment will focus on services for victims, including a 24/7 support line, tailor-made wraparound services for children and a dedicated unit with 100 full-time police officers by 2031-2032, with its own assistant commissioner.
The government will also invest in forensic medical services in regional areas and vulnerable witness suites.
The non-governmental sector will receive significant funding to improve support services.
Children will be protected through intervention orders “as a matter of course, rather than a special consideration”, the Prime Minister said.

It was a historic day for the state and “our moment for change,” said Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard.

The government has already acted on seven recommendations, including the establishment of experience groups and networks, a stand-alone ministerial portfolio on domestic, family and sexual violence, the establishment of a Government Steward and a five-year statewide strategy.
A 24-hour telephone and digital support line will be established to provide access to trauma-informed care and specialist support services.
The existing Domestic Violence Crisis Line will receive increased funding while the new support line is set up.
The government’s priority in the first year is to provide greater certainty and stability to service providers and to increase funding for flexible security packages.
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In case of emergency you can call 000.

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