The Albanese Labor Government has commissioned a national survey of the family, domestic and sexual violence workforce to improve supports for victim-survivors.
A total of $1.39 million has been committed under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 First Action Plan Priorities Fund to develop a National Family Domestic and Sexual Violence Workforce Survey.
The survey was a key finding of the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner’s Yearly Report to Parliament.
Delivered by the Social Research Centre in partnership with The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, the survey will build a national picture of the national FDSV workforce by gaining a broader understanding of its nature, breadth and capabilities.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the survey would provide a comprehensive evidence base reflecting the current strengths and issues facing the national family, domestic and sexual violence workforce, and will help governments to focus future efforts to improve workforce capacity and capability.
“To stop violence against women and children in one generation we need to have a robust workforce that is supported with the skills and qualifications to prevent and respond to gender-based violence,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We need a better picture of the current workings of the sector and where we need to direct our focus to achieve the best, and most needed, results.
“This survey will not only give us updated and comprehensive insights into the workforce, but it will also deliver recommendations to allow us to provide better support for victim-survivors experiencing gender-based violence.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said a national approach to building the specialist workforce was critical to responding to and preventing violence.
“As Commissioner Cronin identified in her Yearly Report to Parliament, the specialist workforce must be appropriately equipped to respond to emerging challenges amongst an evolving landscape,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“A strong workforce is vital for the delivery of services that victim-survivors need, and the Albanese Labor Government is proudly delivering under the First Action Plan Priorities Fund to support ambitious reform to women’s safety.”
The National Workforce Survey will look at features including job types, qualifications, recruitment and retention, work conditions and remuneration, and workforce shortages.
The approach to the survey will be developed in consultation with the sector to ensure the survey is fit-for-purpose, accessible and culturally sensitive. It will also build on state and territory workforce surveys undertaken over the past few years to create a robust and holistic review of the workforce across Australia.
The survey will be completed in late 2026.
More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
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 www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
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 .
Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.