Labor has introduced a significant new policy aimed at addressing domestic violence, specifically targeting financial abuse perpetrated by offenders. Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, announced the $8.6 million initiative as part of a broader effort to enhance protections for women during the federal election campaign.
The policy centres on innovative management strategies for domestic violence offenders, including electronic monitoring and ankle bracelets for those deemed high-risk. Additionally, it encompasses intensive behaviour modification programs and early intervention services aimed at preventing violence among younger individuals.
Gallagher, who also serves as Labor’s finance minister, pledged to implement legislative changes concerning the superannuation, tax, and social security systems to ensure they cannot be exploited by abusers. This includes measures to prevent perpetrators from manipulating these financial systems to incur debts as a form of coercive control and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for any social security debts that arise from their abusive behaviours.
Another critical aspect of the initiative is the examination of ways to prevent abusers from accessing their victims’ superannuation after the victim’s death. The government is emphasising that these initiatives are designed to proactively prevent violence rather than merely responding to its aftermath.
In addition to this anti-violence framework, Gallagher announced a $790 million women’s health portfolio that aims to enhance choice, reduce costs, and improve healthcare access for women.
The not-for-profit organisation No to Violence has endorsed the announcements but urged for more robust measures to tackle the root causes of domestic violence. Chief executive Phillip Ripper contended that while the focus on system abuse is a positive step, the proposed funding is inadequate to create transformative change. He asserted that a substantial increase in funding is essential to foster innovative solutions addressing aggressive behaviour.
Ripper called on both major political parties to commit to a comprehensive national strategy aimed at domestic violence offenders. His emphasis lay on developing innovative strategies and engaging with young men and boys to disrupt the cycle of violence. He highlighted the need for focused action to truly safeguard women, asserting that the solution lies in preventing men from exercising violence in the first place.