Monday, 27 June 2016

Greens Commit $5 Billion to Domestic Violence Services.


BY GARY LYSAGHT

 The Newcastle Greens have announced their policy on domestic violence reform, calling for $5 billion over the next 10 years to go towards the sector.

Greens Senate candidate Jane Oakley and Newcastle Greens candidate John Mackenzie made the announcement on Friday.

During the press conference they committed the Greens to a plan which will see up to $500 million delivered each year to frontline services including shelters and crisis phone services.

John Mackenzie also committed the Greens to delivering for perpetrator programs to deal with those who commit domestic violence.

“To really address the issue we have to be focussing on programs and policies that address violence against women and children into the long term,” he said.

“That means preventative programs.  It’s got to be more than advertising programs targeting young boys, it has to be focussed around perpetrator programs.”

Mackenzie also clarified that these programs would identify those “with a history of domestic violence” and would be prioritising them.

The Greens have also called on Labor and the Coalition to match their funding commitments.

“At the moment we’re seeing cuts to crisis accommodation as routine by Governments in this country,” said Mackenzie.

“We’re calling on all of the parties running at this election to match our commitment and really make this a priority issue across the party lines.”