$1.2 MILLION FOR WOMEN IN THE HAWKESBURY TO ESCAPE FAMILY VIOLENCE
A Shorten Labor Government will spend $1.2 million to address the chronic shortage of crisis accommodation in the Hawkesbury region for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
Both short-term (up to three months) and medium-term accommodation (up to 12 months) will be provided under the plan.
Labor’s commitment follows extensive consultation with local service providers including a recent roundtable on homelessness among older women hosted by Macquarie MP Susan Templeman and Labor’s Shadow Housing and Homelessness Minister, Doug Cameron.
Labor will work with Wentworth Housing to build transitional accommodation so women and children have more options to rebuild their lives, without leaving the Hawkesbury.
The funding is part of Labor’s $88 million Safe Housing Fund to deliver transitional and emergency housing for women and children escaping family violence.
The number of older women and children at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, continues to grow exponentially according to the latest ABS figures.
A recent report into worsening housing affordability and rising homelessness in Western Sydney further highlights the Liberals’ failure to address the affordable housing crisis.
Under the Liberals, more than 110,000 households in Western Sydney are now experiencing housing stress.
Ms Templeman said local women are increasingly in need of short and medium-term transitional accommodation and Labor’s plan will ensure they do not have to uproot themselves and their children when seeking assistance.
“No woman wants to think about what it must be like to leave a violent relationship, to take your children, find safety, and start again.” Ms Templeman said.
“Women often have to leave friends, they have to leave their job, their kids have to change schools or preschool – in short, they have to uproot their lives, or face homelessness.
“Women over 60, who are now among the most at-risk groups for becoming homeless in our community, will also benefit from this investment in safe housing.”
Senator Cameron said a Shorten Labor Government will make preventing and responding to family violence a national priority by:
- Doubling funding to $660 million to prevent and respond to family violence.
- Investing in an extra $60 million to build more emergency accommodation.
- Investing $60 million in 20,000 Flexible Support Packages of up to $10,000 to assist with rent, home security and transport costs.
- Legislating 10 days paid domestic violence leave.
Labor will show the national leadership required to put the pre
