The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for the Northern Territory, with additional funding to provide 56 safe places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
A further $7.8 million in Safe Places Inclusion Round federal funding has been made available for the Salvation Army to develop 14 new emergency homes in Alice Springs.
Two apartment blocks will be refurbished to deliver four one-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom apartments.
On a visit to the site today, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the building work would provide a much-needed safe space for women and families in need of refuge from violence.
“We are proud to have offered funding to the Salvation Army for its second Safe Places project in the Northern Territory to help address the demand for services in the area and meet the unique cultural needs of those seeking access to supports,” Minister Rishworth said.
“It is important that access to culturally appropriate emergency accommodation is available across the nation, including regional and remote areas, so that every woman and child affected by family and domestic violence has a path to safety.
“The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program is an important pillar of the Australian Government’s work to increase resources and supports available for people experiencing family and domestic violence.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said how important the delivery of these measures were for the regions.
“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia, and that’s why women and children must have a safe place of refuge and support regardless of where they live,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“I’m proud that the Albanese Labor Government is funding this key Safe Places initiative across the country, including in the Northern Territory, to ensure there is more support for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence.”
To date, the Australian Government has invested $172.6 million to deliver emergency accommodation under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
This inclusion round will deliver up to 720 new safe places for women and children across Australia, bringing the total number of safe places to around 1500.
Information on the Safe Places program 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.