‘Stop just talking about it’: Albo’s plan for domestic violence

Federal Labor are set to pledge over $150 million for a burning issue they say has only received lip service up until now.

A domestic violence commission will co-ordinate a national response for services and an 500 community sector workers will be hired to help women in crisis, under a $153 million Labor commitment.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese will announce the cash pledge today, saying too many women are being turned away from help because shelters and other services are understaffed.

Timing the announcement ahead of tomorrow’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Mr Albanese will say a Labor government would fund a special Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Commissioner to act as an advocate for survivors.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is promising more money for domestic violence workers.

Their role would include advocacy, working with state and territory authorities to determine where resources need to be invested as well as co-ordinate access to services.

The 500 staff will go towards shelters and other domestic violence services extra case workers, financial counsellors and support workers specialised in dealing with children.

Mr Albanese said half of the jobs would be located in rural and regional areas.

“Across the country domestic violence organisation tell us how much more they could do with an extra pair of hands,” he said.

“It’s past time to stop just talking about it – and elevate women’s safety to a national priority.”

Labor has previously announced, if elected, it would invest $100 million in crisis accommodation and build 4,000 homes for women and children fleeing violence, as well as legislating for 10 days domestic violence leave.

“We know this is just the beginning. Labor is committed to action and bringing down the rates of violence in our communities,” Mr Albanese said.

Violence is the leading preventable cause of death, illness and disability for women aged 15-44, while one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner.

Labor said shelters are reporting turning away up to half of the women who come to them for help, while only about 10 per cent of those who want to stay home safely had the support to do so.

Domestic and sexual violence have been high on the political agenda this year, with the national summit on women’s safety being held in September.

It was used to develop a 12-year national plan to reduce violence against women and children. The first national plan was launched by the Gillard Labor government in 2010.