Minister for Women Katy Gallagher has announced more crisis accommodation for domestic violence victim-survivors in Canberra. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
More crisis accommodation for women and children in Canberra who are fleeing domestic violence will be funded by the Federal Government as part of what the ALP says is its commitment to ending gender-based violence in one generation.
Up to seven extra dwellings will become available, with the government delivering $3.5 million to local not-for-profit Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn for that purpose.
The housing options will be offered to domestic violence victim-survivors as part of the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program.
In announcing what the funding will be used for, Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the investment exceeds Labor’s 2022 pledge to deliver an additional $1 million in funding for extra crisis accommodation in the ACT.
“This funding delivers on a commitment we made at the last election to help keep women and children in Canberra safe,” the Minister said.
“Our government has committed more than $4 billion to ending violence against women, including towards this important investment in housing for women and children affected by domestic and family violence.
“We know this is a priority and the Albanese Government is investing nearly 20 times more funding in crisis and transitional accommodation and programs than the previous Coalition government did in a decade.”
The extra crisis accommodation for the ACT forms part of 42 new dwellings being funded across the country under the transitional program.
Nationally, the government is investing $100 million into the project to support the building, remodelling or purchase of crisis or transitional accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness.
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh joined Senator Gallagher, along with the Member for Canberra Alicia Payne and the Member for Bean David Smith, for the announcement at Mackillop House on Thursday (13 March).
“A safe place to sleep should never be a privilege,” Dr Leigh said.
“This investment isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about dignity, security and the chance to rebuild.
“By expanding crisis accommodation, we’re ensuring that more women and children can escape violence without facing the added trauma of homelessness.”
The program is part of the government’s investment in women’s safety to support the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
The extra housing under the project is expected to become available for women and children in the ACT later this year.
The dwellings are set to be used as crisis and transitional accommodation for the next 20 years.
“Our government has made ending violence against women a national priority, including here in Canberra,” Ms Payne said.
“This funding will play an important part in that. Violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and women shouldn’t face a choice between violence and homelessness.
“This will help make sure women have access to secure housing when they leave unsafe situations.”
Mr Smith, in a show of ACT Labor unity on the issue ahead of the imminent election, also put his stamp of approval on the project and funding.
“It’s very welcome to see local organisations that do important work in our community recognised and supported,” he said.
“Vulnerable people in Canberra deserve safe places to go and to not be turned away when they seek help.”
The Labor MPs were also joined at the announcement by representatives of CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service Canberra, and the Yerrabi Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit 13yarn.org.au.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit ntv.org.au.
