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Continuing Family Violence Reform to better protect Victorians pleaded by Liberal and Nationals government for 2022 election

A Liberal and Nationals government will extend the Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor (FVRIM) to assess the implementation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2022 - Back to News

Reforming Victoria's system to prevent family violence and to support victim survivors is a long and complex task, far more than the simple box-ticking exercise that the Andrews Labor government has treated it as. Labor has not renewed funding for the monitor, which is only budgeted until December.

Ms Kealy said people affected by family violence needed and deserved a system that created tangible and lasting reform, and it was clear Labor could not deliver

Government failing Victoria

This is despite data showing an increase in family violence-related offences in Victoria over the past five years, with offences rising from 76,000 in 2018 to more than 90,000 in the 12 months to June this year. In spite of the increase, fewer cases resulted in criminal charges being laid, and the number of family violence cases where no charges were laid was higher in 2021-22 than any time in the past five years.

Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Emma Kealy, said Victorians needed a comprehensive review of how effectively the 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission had been implemented. "The FVRIM is best-placed to lead that, but it requires support from the state government - not funding cuts. Crime Statistics Agency data shows us that family violence is only increasing, but the government is continuing to fail Victorians with its inept system," she said.

"The government's own data shows the target average waiting time for public rental housing for clients with priority access for family violence reasons is 10.5 months, but last year clients were forced to wait an average of 16.1 months under Labor. Women and children in areas where there is simply no priority rental housing available are waiting far longer." Ms Kealy said.

Tangible and lasting reform

Ms Kealy said people affected by family violence needed and deserved a system that created tangible and lasting reform, and it was clear Labor could not deliver. "An elected Liberal and Nationals government will restore annual funding for the Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor to $5 million to ensure that Victorians aren't let down by a failing system," she said.

"We will stay engaged with the sector and the community - and work with the monitor - to identify how long the extension will be necessary, and we will never hesitate to continue supporting this vital work."

"Family violence reform should never be about ticking a box and moving on. This extension of the FVRIM and a review of the government's reform will be a vital step in ensuring that everything". Ms Kealy said.

Pictures from Emma Kealy MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester urges urgent action against European carp, supporting the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push to release the carp herpes virus by 2028 to protect waterways and native biodiversity.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Melina Bath warns neighbourhood houses face financial strain, risking essential services due to stagnant government funding
  Hundreds rallied at Victoria Parliament urging Allan government to provide funding certainty for neighbourhood houses, protecting essential community services supporting vulnerable residents and preventing closures.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.