South Australia Unveils Comprehensive $674 Million Plan to Combat Domestic Violence Following In-Depth Investigation

Share this @internewscast.com

The South Australian government has accepted 129 of 136 recommendations “in full, in principle or in part”, with four noted and three not accepted, including a proposed ban on parents smacking children.

Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja delivered her findings in August after a year-long investigation sparked by the deaths of four SA women in a week.

The call for substantial investment was made to leverage what is seen as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to tackle the pervasive issue of family, domestic, and sexual violence.

In response, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas on Friday said $674 million would be spent across a decade, with the first funding to be detailed in the government’s mid-year budget review, to be released before Christmas.

Malinauskas said Labor would introduce changes to alcohol laws if it was returned to government at the March election “immediately upon the parliament sitting”.

Key recommendations include implementing a two-hour “safety pause” between the placement and fulfillment of orders, adjusting delivery windows to between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and prioritizing harm reduction in the objectives of the Liquor Act.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Ayla Chorley said the rise of “largely unregulated online sale and rapid delivery of alcohol” had amplified the risk of harm to women and children experiencing violence in the home.

“We appreciate the premier’s commitment today to follow through on his promise to women and children in South Australia,” she said

“We must get these laws through parliament without delay.”

Premier Malinauskas emphasized a careful and deliberate approach in formulating the government’s response. He assured that the focus would be on transforming how services are delivered to victims, rather than adding unnecessary bureaucratic layers.

The investment will focus on services for victims, including a 24/7 support line, tailored wraparound services for children and a dedicated unit with 100 full-time police officers by 2031-32, with its own assistant commissioner.

The government will also invest in forensic medical services in regional areas and vulnerable witness suites.

The non-government sector will receive significant funding to enhance support services.

Children will be protected through intervention orders “as a matter of default, rather than a special consideration”, the premier said.

Minister for Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence, Katrine Hildyard, hailed the day as historic for the state, describing it as “our moment for change.”

The government has already acted on seven recommendations, including the establishment of lived experience groups and networks, a standalone domestic, family and sexual violence ministerial portfolio, the establishment of a Government Steward and a five-year statewide strategy.

A round-the-clock phone and digital support line will be established to allow access to trauma-informed care and specialist support services.

The existing Domestic Violence Crisis Line will receive increased funding while the new support line is established.

The government’s priority in the first year is to provide greater certainty and stability for service providers and increase funding for flexible safety packages.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.