NSW announce an extra $300 million investment for specialist domestic support, but Tracy Phillips from Bonnies Support Service said more is needed.

Tracy Phillips from Bonnies Support Service said a ‘long term sustainable solution’ is needed to help domestic violence crisis

The NSW budget last week detailed it is doubling its investment into specialist domestic violence initiatives to $300 million over the next four years.

The government also announced a further $20 million for an Innovation Fund to support effective initiatives in crisis responses, prevention and early intervention.

For places like Bonnies Support Services, the pledge is a start but executive officer Tracy Phillips said there was still a long way to go.

“Any funding is great and we always welcome it, but unfortunately $20 million for the innovation package just isn’t enough,” she said.

The latest Department of Social Services data estimates the annual cost of violence against women and their children on the economy is around $13.6 billion.

The data also shows the total budget pledge of over $300 million constitutes only an estimated 2.31 per cent of the cost of domestic violence nationally.

“A lot of innovation programs can be short term solutions but what we need a sustainable solution,” Ms Phillips said. “This is more than just a housing issue. We need more support staff, shelters and programs to help women get back their independence.

“The day we are able to close our centre because we’re not needed anymore is the day we’ve done our job right.”