Federal government resists calls for national domestic violence inquiry
Activists demand a royal commission into domestic violence. But the government says increased funding is its priority.
Recent domestic violence incidents have renewed calls for a national royal commission. Victoria and South Australia have already held such inquiries.
Sherele Moody runs Australian Femicide Watch. Sherele Moody gathered more than 160,000 signatures on a petition for a commission.
The petition asks the commission to examine how police, courts and support services responded before women were killed. Independent MP Zali Steggall called for one earlier this year.
The government did not agree. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government is addressing violence through better housing and tackling online misogyny.
The government has increased funding by more than $4.4 billion since taking office. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said early intervention is needed.
It should happen through schools, hospitals and workplaces.
- More than 160,000
- Petition signatures
- $4.4 billion since taking office
- Funding increase
- Victoria and South Australia
- States with inquiries
- Tuesday, 22 September
- Government response date
Why it mattersA royal commission could examine how authorities responded to cases before deaths occurred. It could reveal gaps in protection.
AustraliaThis affects all Australians, particularly women and children. A national inquiry could reshape how every state and territory handles domestic violence cases and support services.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
