The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to ending violence against women and children by overseeing the construction of more emergency accommodation under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program (Safe Places).
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today visited a site in Dubbo, New South Wales, run by Housing Plus, which will provide fifteen new Safe Places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia,” said Assistant Minister Elliot.
“It’s imperative that all women and children who experience family and domestic violence have safe places of refuge and can access expert support in times of need.
“These Safe Places in Dubbo will provide vital assistance for up to 156 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence each year.”
“I look forward to the next milestones for this site, and seeing first-hand what this development will mean for the local community.”
The 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.
Housing Plus is an accredited Special Homelessness Service provider and a Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) provider.
The Albanese Government committed $100 million over five years up to 2026-27 through the Safe Places Inclusion Round, which is a key part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
“Through the Safe Places Inclusion round, we will deliver up to 720 new safe places for women and children across Australia, bringing the total number of safe places to around 1,500,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
The Dubbo Safe Places site is on track for completion by mid-2024.
More 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 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
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? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.