ACT shelves domestic violence monitoring plan over $18 million annual cost
Chief Minister promised electronic monitoring for domestic violence offenders in May 2024. The government now delays this plan. It cites cost.
The ACT government has cancelled its plan to track domestic violence offenders with electronic ankle monitors. The reason is budget constraints.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr promised this plan. The promise came after a national cabinet meeting on gender-based violence in May 2024.
A study showed the costs. A basic program would cost over $4 million a year.
A full domestic and family violence monitoring scheme would cost more than $18 million a year. The government listed competing priorities.
These include prison operations and an inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody. Police have wanted electronic monitoring for a long time.
Former chief Neil Gaughan said in 2024 it should apply to two groups. These are repeat bail offenders and high-risk family violence offenders.
A victim workshop was held in August. Residents asked questions there.
Why was electronic monitoring not required? They compared the lack of watch to being released without oversight.
- over $18 million annually
- Full scheme cost
- May 2024 national cabinet meeting
- Promise date
Why it mattersVictims lose a potential safeguard against reoffending. Police lose a tool to spot breach risks and supervise high-risk abusers.
AustraliaCanberra domestic violence victims cannot access electronic monitoring despite police and victim advocates supporting it; promise remains unfulfilled.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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