Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Reynolds for her question and for her commitment to gender equality and reducing violence against women and children. This morning many of us, from all sides of politics, had the opportunity to attend the annual White Ribbon Day breakfast, and we recommitted ourselves to doing all that we can to end violence against women and children.

The Turnbull government is determined to ensure that women and children in Australia are safe at home, safe on the streets and safe online. We're investing in programs that directly support women and children who are victims of or at risk of domestic violence. The first act of the Turnbull government in September 2015 was to announce a $100 million Women's Safety Package. This funding provided improved training for frontline workers and enhanced service delivery in critical areas. We continue to improve frontline services by training police, health workers and other frontline service providers to help them recognise the signs of domestic violence and respond accordingly. More funding for specialist domestic violence units will help provide essential services for women and children escaping domestic violence. In the 2017-18 budget, the Turnbull government committed an additional $39 million over the next three years for community legal centres, family law and domestic violence matters. We also provided $3.4 million over two years to expand specialist domestic violence units to provide essential trauma services to women who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic violence. The recipients of this funding were recently announced by the Attorney-General. Again, we are committed to combatting the devastating effects that domestic violence has in our community.