'Step up and stump up': States to push Morrison government for more domestic violence funds

Victoria and New South Wales will use a special meeting on domestic violence with the Morrison government and other states to push for more funds for men's behaviour change programs, as well as front-line services such as legal assistance and family violence refuges.

The meeting, called in response to the horrific murders of Hannah Clarke and her three children last month, is also expected to bring renewed calls for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to be demoted from her position as deputy chair of a controversial family law inquiry.

Women's safety advocates say $88 million is needed to adequately fund behaviour change and fathering programs.Credit: iStockphoto

Women's Minister Marise Payne and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston will co-chair an hour-long phone meeting with state women's safety ministers on Friday afternoon.

Senator Payne has previously said the federal government is open to "new ideas", while Senator Ruston has flagged concerns with the enforcement of apprehended violence orders. The Morrison government is also expected to ask states to support an extension of the "Stop It At The Start" advertising campaign.

NSW Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said governments "at all levels can and should continue to step up" against domestic and family violence.

Mr Speakman said men's behaviour change programs as well as broader prevention and intervention efforts "should be a focus moving forward".

He acknowledged the Morrison government had recently committed $2.4 million towards four men's behaviour change programs, but said he would "welcome any further support to ensure we're addressing the root cause of this national crisis".

Women's safety advocates say $88 million is needed to adequately fund behaviour change and fathering programs.

Mr Speakman said he also wanted assurance that the national helpline 1800RESPECT was "appropriately resourced", given reported spikes in demand for support after the murders of Ms Clarke and her children.

Victoria's Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said she was going into the meeting "with a strong expectation of action and investment from the Commonwealth – not just more of the same updates and meetings".

Ms Williams said the Victorian government had invested $500 million over the next four years to address domestic violence. "We need the Commonwealth to step up and stump up," she said.

A Victorian government source said the state was keen to get more funds for legal services and family violence refuges.

Queensland Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said she wanted to see Prime Minister Scott Morrison "take Pauline Hanson off the parliamentary inquiry".

Ms Farmer said leaders "need to set a standard" about acceptable attitudes and behaviour when it comes to domestic violence. Senator Hanson, who is deputy chair of a parliamentary inquiry into Australia's family law system, has said women make up false claims of domestic violence to win custody of their children.

Ms Farmer also highlighted support for migrant women and housing for domestic violence survivors as key areas of concern.

"I am not interested in a talk-fest. I am interested in us advancing the cause," she said.

According to Our Watch, on average, one woman a week is murdered by a current or former partner. One in three Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and one in five women has experienced sexual violence.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Support is also available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636