The Federal Government has strengthened its commitment to keep Cairns and Far North Queensland women safe at every stage of life, whether at home, work or online.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said $54.4 million would be invested to further boost services for women affected by violence.
“Sadly, domestic and family violence is not confined to simply where you live,” Mr Entsch said.
“The government will provide $11.5 million for 1800RESPECT, a national counselling, information and referral service for all Australians, including those living in Cairns and Far North Queensland.
“The government will invest $6.7 million towards DV-alert to help assist frontline workers to recognise, respond to and refer clients experiencing or at risk of family or domestic violence.”
Mr Entsch said a suite of new safety measures were announced in the budget including online safety initiatives designed to improve the lives of thousands of women.
“The government will provide $14.2 million for the eSafety Commissioner to help make cyberspace safer for women,” he said.
“This will include additional funding to combat the non-consensual sharing of intimate images through a civil penalties regime and funding training for teachers to educate children about online safety and security.”
Mr Entsch said the government would invest $22 million to protect older Cairns and Far North Queensland residents from abuse.
He said this would include funding trials of specialist elder abuse support services.
“Sadly, elder abuse is something that is prevalent in Cairns and Cape York communities, but is not defined by race or colour,” he said.
“We will work with the Queensland Government to develop a national online register for enduring powers of attorney, in addition to, developing a National Plan on Elder Abuse.
“Research suggests elder abuse may affect up to 20 per cent of elderly women, and those living in Cairns and Cape York are certainly not immune for this.”
