NSW, like the rest of Australia, is in the midst of a domestic violence crisis and the NSW Opposition is calling for the Government to act urgently on the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission review and support the Opposition's Private Members Bill to make women and children safer in their homes.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman welcomed the Government's announcement of increased support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and others who require access to temporary accommodation.
The Opposition notes that the Government has retained the 28 day temporary accommodation provided through the department of Communities and Justice, while increasing the 'initial period' from two to seven days.
We also welcome the revised eligibility requirements, lifting the asset cap from $1,000 to $5,000 and the removal of this requirement for those fleeing domestic or family violence.
"Today's announcement builds on the former Coalition Government's strong investment in Specialist Homelessness Services, with an increase of approximately 185% in funding to Temporary Accommodation, the Link2home program and the NSW Homelessness Strategy," Mr Speakman said.
"The former Government also invested $426 million to deliver 39 new refuges, designed in the Core and Cluster model, which is an innovative approach that provides independent living and access to critical services such as counselling, legal; assistance and further education."
"Just a few weeks ago the LECC's review of NSW Police Force responses to family and domestic violence incidents made a number of important recommendations."
"The Police Minister needs to urgently release the Government's response to these recommendations and put them into action."
Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Leslie Williams called on the Labor Government to support the Opposition's Private Members Bill to reform the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, and particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown.
On 10 May in BA v The King, the High Court found a former tenant not guilty of the crime of breaking and entering. The former tenant had kicked down the door of his old apartment when his ex-girlfriend refused to let him in, he shook her, yelled at her, and seized her mobile phone – but because his name was still on the lease, the Court found that he had a legal right to enter and so did not commit the crime of break and enter into the premises.
"As well as investing in shelters and support, the Government needs to help keep women safe in their own homes when relationships break down," Ms Williams said.
"The High Court decision has shown an urgent need for the NSW Parliament to amend our criminal law."
"We are calling on the Labor Government to support the Opposition's Private Members Bill which reforms the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown."
