Government releases plan to end gender-based violence within a generation

The new national plan was informed by consultation with governments, experts, advocates and victim-survivors.

A long-awaited roadmap to ending violence against women and children plans to focus on the engagement of men and boys in a strategy of early intervention.

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, on Monday released the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

The Commonwealth and all state and territory governments contributed to the plan, which was also informed by extensive consultations held with victim-survivors, advocacy groups, specialist services, researchers, and representatives from the health, law and justice sectors, business and community groups.

As well as setting out how gender inequality drives violence against women and children, the plan highlights the need to respond to sexual violence wherever it occurs. It also recommends priority areas of action across prevention, early intervention, response and recovery.

“This national plan gives us a clear blueprint for the next ten years to end gender-based violence in one generation,” Rishworth said.

“Current rates of family, domestic and sexual violence are unacceptable. We want to make these changes now so the next generation of women and children can live in a society free from violence.”

The implementation of the plan will be detailed in two five-year action plans to be released at a later date, and the federal government is continuing to work on a standalone Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Plan.

Writing for Pro Bono News, Hayley Foster, CEO of Full Stop Australia, said she was “feeling a surge of optimism” at the release of the plan.

“We now have the opportunity to stem the flow, turn the tide and ensure that our next generation of women and girls live their lives free from violence,” she wrote, adding the government needs to fund the plan to address the gendered violence crisis.

Advocacy group Fair Agenda celebrated the plan’s release but said clear funding was needed to achieve its goal.

“It’s fantastic to hear the Albanese Government’s commitment to making changes now so the next generations can live free from violence. Experts say that at least $1 billion of annual federal funding is needed for the plan, to realise that goal. But right now, that funding isn’t there,” said Fair Agenda’s executive director Renee Carr.

“Years of neglect by previous governments mean the safety net that should exist for victim-survivors has massive holes in it. Every pillar of the National Plan framework that has been launched today is under-resourced — from prevention and early intervention, to response and recovery.” 

She called for the federal government to commit to deliver at least $1 billion of annual federal funding for the plan within this term of Government.

“Budgets are about priorities. Creating a safer future should be at the heart of government priorities; and therefore at the core of its budget,” Carr said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT 24 hours, seven days a week on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au