NSW Labor is calling on the Liberal National Government and the Attorney General Mark Speakman to explain why $32.5 million in domestic violence funding announced eight months ago has still not been distributed.
 
In June of 2021 $32.5 million was committed by the NSW Government to Staying Home, Leaving Violence, a program which aims to promote housing stability and prevent homelessness by assisting women and their children to live in the home of their choice. This funding was supposed to expand the program across the state and increase the numbers of women and children escaping violence who are able to access SHLV specialist case management and related services.
 
NSW Labor have been contacted by providers who explained that when the funding was announced they immediately allocated it to provide services, mostly hiring additional staff due to the increase in demand for services during COVID-19. They are now worried about losing staff if the funding doesn't come through soon. 
 
At Budget Estimates in November 2021 when questioned on the delay to this funding the Attorney General offered assurances it would be distributed that month, saying, "I would hope to be able to announce a tranche of that funding in the very near future. Certainly before Christmas, yes. I would be hoping this month".
 
The Department of Communities and Justice emailed providers in December apologising for the delay, saying they were waiting on approval from the Attorney-General, Mark Speakman, and advised they would extend contracts by 12 months given the lateness of the funding.
 
On Thursday, February 10 the new Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward MLC distributed a press release re-announcing this same funding, with no explanation as to why it was eight months late or when it would be delivered. Minister Ward must guarantee these funds find their way to front line providers immediately.

Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said this is simply not good enough.

"It should be the Government’s utmost priority to protect vulnerable women and children, which is what the organisations waiting for this funding do," she said. 

“It’s all well and good to be announcing economic panels and new funding, but if it’s not followed up by action – it amounts to nothing.

"Every day this funding is not out the door, is a day victims of abuse aren’t receiving the support and resources they need to be safe. 

“NSW Labor welcomes all funding which supports Domestic Violence victims but an announcement without action is not enough to create change."