Response to National Cabinet Meeting – 6 September 2024

“Djirra welcomes the National Cabinet’s acknowledgment that men’s violence against women and children is at a crisis point and requires urgent national investment and action by Federal, State, and Territory Governments,” says Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM.

“Aboriginal women are at significantly greater risk of serious injury or death through men’s violence than other women in our country. Any investment made under the package announced today must be put into frontline services that prioritise women’s safety.”

“Press conferences and promises do nothing to save Aboriginal women’s lives.  Real investment in our self-determined frontline services is the only solution.”

“From today’s announcement, it is unclear exactly what funding or other resources will go to Djirra and other self-determined specialist Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services (FVPLSs). We must have detail on exactly how and when today’s promised funding will be allocated. Responding to big announcements without any detail diverts much needed and already stretched people and time away from the frontline.”

“In the last financial year alone, Djirra made 21 detailed submissions to both national and Victorian public inquiries and committees. We do this to keep our women visible.”

“But the time for talking, and for more reports and reviews, has passed. Governments must act urgently – our women’s lives depend on it.”

“Unless and until sustainable, long-term funding hits the ground, nothing will change and Aboriginal women and children will continue to be unsafe and in danger.”

“Today in Victoria, if you are an Aboriginal woman, you are 45 times more likely to experience family violence than other women. More Aboriginal children than ever are being removed into out-of-home care by the state – often as a direct consequence of family violence.”

“Across Victoria, demand for Djirra’s specialist legal and non-legal services has never been higher, and continues to rise. Djirra will never turn anyone away, so without long-term and sustainable funding, we are constantly juggling to save lives and avoid funding cliffs looming in front of us.”

“Djirra will work closely with the Victorian Government to ensure that the new package announced today goes where it is needed most—to Djirra and other specialist family violence services that keep our women safe.”

“As the biggest employer of Aboriginal women in the legal assistance sector in Victoria, Djirra welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to pay parity. Unless this commitment is matched by the Victorian state government, this is just a partial solution that will not result in pay equity across our organisation.”

Media contact

Kate Bowman

[email protected]

0456 960 011