Charlotte Walker (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When we talk about domestic and family violence, we also have to talk about housing because, for a lot of women and kids, leaving a violent situation is not just emotionally terrifying; it also comes with the very real question: where do we go now? Nobody should have to choose between staying unsafe or becoming homeless.

That's why the Albanese Labor government's budget continues major investment into crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children escaping violence. The government is delivering more than $1.2 billion into crisis and transitional housing programs, including a $1 billion investment through the Housing Australia Future Fund. That funding is helping deliver more housing options for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, as well as young people at risk of homelessness. Those are the types of things that Australians want to see their tax dollars go towards.

Having somewhere safe to go can completely change the trajectory of someone's life. It gives people breathing room, stability, a chance to regroup and rebuild without constantly living in survival mode. Programs like Safe Places and the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program are also helping fund emergency accommodation and expand services right across the country. At the end of the day, safety is not just about laws and policies on paper; it is also about whether someone can access a safe room, a secure home and support when they need it most. I think most Australians would agree that women and children escaping violence deserve that support, and they deserve to know they will not be doing it alone.