FAMILY AND DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE — SERVICE DELIVERY
600. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to funding of family and
domestic violence counselling advocacy and support service contracts.
(1) Is the
minister aware that the costs for delivering these services have risen
significantly above government funding levels over the past six years and that
there is now a serious risk that available services will be reduced as a result?
(2) Will the
government agree to sustainably fund these critical services to adequately take
into account increased costs, including the
full impact of the equal remuneration order, increased demand and COVID-19?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) All
service providers in the family and domestic violence counselling, advocacy and
support service program have been offered a two-year extension, with an option
of a further 12-month extension. This process ensures that contracting
arrangements are structured in a manner that supports sustainable service delivery and recognises the importance of ongoing
organisational viability, consistent with the government's
delivering community services in partnership policy. All 18 service providers
for 22 services have responded and will continue to deliver services to the
community. The Department of Communities will continue to closely monitor
changes in the demand for these contracted services and respond accordingly. To
ensure the safety of women and children experiencing, or at risk of
experiencing, family and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, all
FDV CAS service providers will receive grant funding of $25 000 per service to
ensure that services can continue to support those who need it most during this
time. The up-front payment was provided to services at the beginning of June
2020.
(3) Not applicable.