A round-the-clock support line and a new police section staffed by 100 officers headline a state government’s $674 million response to its Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
The South Australian government has accepted 129 of 136 recommendations “in full, in principle or in part”, with four noted and three not accepted, including a proposed ban on parents smacking children.
Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja delivered her findings in August after a year-long investigation sparked by the deaths of four South Australian women in a week. She had said that significant investment was required to seize “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address the scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
In response, on Friday, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said $674 million would be spent across a decade, and the first funding would be detailed in the government’s mid-year budget review, to be released before Christmas.
The government had been “very deliberate in the calibration of its response”, ensuring money would be invested in changing the nature of service delivery for victims, and not “creating layers of bureaucracy”, he said.
The investment will focus on services for victims, including a 24/7 support line, tailored wraparound services for children, and a dedicated unit with 100 full-time police officers by 2031-32, with its own assistant commissioner.
The government will also invest in forensic medical services in regional areas and vulnerable witness suites. The non-government sector will receive significant funding to enhance support services.
Children will be protected through intervention orders “as a matter of default, rather than a special consideration”, the premier said.
It was a historic day for the state and “our moment for change”, Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard said.
The government’s “strategic and methodical” response was aimed at delivering lasting systemic change, spanning prevention, intervention, response and recovery and healing.
The government has already acted on seven recommendations, including the establishment of lived experience groups and networks, a standalone domestic, family and sexual violence ministerial portfolio, the establishment of a government steward and a five-year statewide strategy.
A round-the-clock phone and digital support line will be established to allow access to trauma-informed care and specialist support services. The existing Domestic Violence Crisis Line will receive increased funding while the new support line is established.
The government’s priority in the first year is to provide greater certainty and stability for service providers and increase funding for flexible safety packages.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
AAP