Kara Cook (Bonner, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a former domestic violence lawyer, I have represented women and children at the most terrifying moments of their lives. I have seen the courage it takes to leave, and I've seen firsthand that, when a woman finally reaches out for help, the response she receives can mean the difference between life and death. That is why I am so proud of today's announcement of $292 million to boost our frontline domestic and family violence workforce. This increases our election commitment where we have already delivered 500 frontline workers for every state and territory. This is not just a budget measure; it is a statement of values. This funding secures the future of workers who are the advocates securing safe housing, the counsellors helping children process trauma and the specialists guiding women through safety planning and the legal system. In my community of Bonner it means that organisations like the Red Rose Foundation, who are the only strangulation trauma centre in the country, can continue to save lives.

This is what happens when you have a majority-women government, when women's safety is not an afterthought and when lived-experience survivors and frontline workers inform policy and decision-making. I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering safety for women and children.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.