FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — MATILDA GARD
SERVICES
26. Hon NICK GOIRAN to the Leader of the House representing
the Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence:
I refer to the government's
commitments to support women and children impacted by family and domestic
violence.
(1) Is the
minister aware that Matilda Gard Services is a place of refuge for women and
children within the community?
(2) Has the minister visited this refuge?
(3) Is the minister aware that this facility in Guildford is
at risk of discontinuing?
(4) What steps will the minister take to ensure that this
does not happen?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) I am aware
that Matilda Gard provides non–crisis accommodation services for women
and children. I understand that the service has been supported via a memorandum
of understanding with the Women's Council for Domestic and Family
Violence Services.
(2) No.
(3) I am advised
that the memorandum of understanding between Matilda Gard and the Women's
Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services is being reviewed. The
Department of Communities has never directly funded Matilda Gard.
(4) I encourage
Matilda Gard to have discussions with the Department of Communities about its
plans for the provision of ongoing services and the state government's
commitment to a 10-year strategy for reducing family and domestic violence.