Violence inquiry drives change
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Australia’s shameful crisis of violence against First Nations women demands immediate action.
The Albanese Government has pledged urgent measures to tackle the crisis of violence against First Nations women and children, tabling its response to a Senate inquiry into the issue.
First Nations women are seven times more likely to be victims of homicide than non-Indigenous women, with 75 per cent of those murders committed by current or former partners. They are also 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to domestic violence.
The government says it plans to launch the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan in 2024. This plan, led by Indigenous communities, will sit alongside the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, aiming to deliver culturally appropriate, community-led solutions.
The Albanese Government has also committed $4.4 billion to combat gender-based violence, including $3.9 billion for frontline legal assistance through the National Access to Justice Partnership and $194 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan. These measures aim to address the disproportionate violence First Nations women and children face.
“We are resolute in our commitment to ending the scourge of violence against women and children in every part of the country - whether in our cities, towns, or remote communities,” said Senator Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women.
State and territory governments are expected to play key roles in policing, justice system reforms, and community responses.
National Cabinet has also prioritised the inclusion of First Nations perspectives in addressing gender-based violence.
The response highlighted the lack of media coverage on missing and murdered First Nations women and children.
Senator McCarthy says she plans to write to the Australian Press Council, urging the adoption of tailored guidelines to address this disparity and better serve affected families.
