The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to increase the number of new and fit for purpose Safe Places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, with the opening of a new completed site in Brisbane today.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, officially opened the Lutheran Services Domestic and Family Violence Refuge that will provide eight new units, providing 26 places for emergency accommodation.
“We know that family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“Having a safe place to go is vital in ensuring women and children can leave family and domestic violence, and receive specialist support.
“I commend the work of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District, who in conjunction with our Safe Places program will be assisting up to 104 women and children each year.”
The Lutheran Services Domestic and Family Violence Refuge will operate as emergency accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
The Albanese Labor Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program funds the renovation, building and purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
As part of the 2022-23 October Budget, the Government committed $100 million over five years up to 2026-27 to continue the Safe Places program through the Safe Places Inclusion Round.
This $100 million investment will increase the number of new and appropriate emergency accommodation places across Australia, with a focus on providing support for First Nations women and children, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women and children with disability.
The Inclusion Round will deliver up to 720 new safe places for women and children across Australia. Once completed, this will bring the total number of safe places to around 1,500 (including the first round of projects).
More information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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 www.ntv.org.au.