The Liberal Opposition is joining with domestic violence advocates to criticise the lack of contingency funding to respond to the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
Just $1.5 million has been allocated in this year’s State Budget to coordinate the Government’s response to the Royal Commission, with the same budgeted for the 2026/27 financial year.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said that amount falls far short of what advocates say will be needed for a meaningful response.
“We are less than a month away from the Royal Commission being handed down, and we are concerned that this funding will barely scratch the surface of what will be needed to address the recommendations,” Mr Tarzia said.
“The domestic and family violence sector estimate that the true cost of keeping women safe will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, due to the need for additional crisis and other services.
“If we are serious about providing a safe society for all, then we need to ensure there is support for our most vulnerable and this budget falls far short.”
Shadow Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Michelle Lensink said the $2 million for continuing domestic violence and recovery hubs in the north and south will not be enough to address the growing needs of the sector.
“This is a drop in the ocean, compared to the gaping chasm of funding and support that is needed to truly meet the needs of women and their families fleeing domestic violence here in South Australia,” Ms Lensink said.
“Stephen Mullighan is spending more per day servicing our record levels of debt, than they are for two years of domestic violence support.
“This is a Government with all the wrong priorities and it’s women, children and families at risk who will suffer.”
