The Albanese Labor Government is delivering $67.2 million over the next four years to strengthen Queensland’s response to gender-based violence and ensure more victim-survivors can access the support they need, when they need it.
The investment will continue the 500 Workers Initiative, ensuring the state’s domestic, family and sexual violence workforce is resourced to meet demand and support more people seeking help.
Secured through to 2030, this funding will ensure support remains available across the state, from South East Queensland to communities in the Far North, Gulf Country and outback regions.
This forms part of a 72% increase in national funding to strengthen frontline responses and support the delivery of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Assistant Minister Kearney delivered this announcement alongside Member for Bonner, Kara Cook MP, at the Red Rose Foundation in Brisbane today. The Foundation is dedicated to preventing family violence deaths through specialist support, advocacy, education, research and systems reform.
Since 2022, the Albanese Government has delivered Australia’s largest investment towards prevention, early intervention, crisis response and recovery services, - more than $4.4 billion - recognising that ending gender-based violence requires sustained action at every stage.
In Queensland alone, the Albanese Government has invested over $255 million and helped tens of thousands of Queenslanders access vital support.
Until every Queenslander can live free from gender-based violence, we will continue backing frontline services and investing in initiatives that will deliver lasting change.
More information on our investments to strengthen Queensland’s responses to family, domestic and sexual violence is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“The Albanese Labor Government supports our frontline family, domestic and sexual violence workforce. These workers are skilled and dedicated, providing critical assistance to victim-survivors.
“This funding boost means that more women and children in Queensland will be able to escape violence safely with the support of dedicated frontline workers who are equipped to help them heal and recover.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Ged Kearney:
“Our frontline workers are the backbone of our efforts to end family, domestic and sexual violence. Their contributions are invaluable, and they deserve our support.
“This funding is about ensuring that no matter where you are in Queensland - here in Brisbane, up in the Far North, or out in regional, rural or remote areas, care is available.
“It’s a stark reality that 1 in 4 women have experienced family and domestic violence and 1 in 5 have experienced sexual violence. Ending the terrible scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence will take all of us; every part of society, every community, and every level of government.”