BY GARY LYSAGHT
The Newcastle Greens have announced their policy on domestic
violence reform, calling for $5 billion over the next 10 years to go towards
the sector.
Greens Senate candidate Jane Oakley and Newcastle Greens
candidate John Mackenzie made the announcement on Friday.
During the press conference they committed the Greens to a
plan which will see up to $500 million delivered each year to frontline
services including shelters and crisis phone services.
John Mackenzie also committed the Greens to delivering for
perpetrator programs to deal with those who commit domestic violence.
“To really address the issue we have to be focussing on
programs and policies that address violence against women and children into the
long term,” he said.
“That means preventative programs. It’s got to be more than advertising programs
targeting young boys, it has to be focussed around perpetrator programs.”
Mackenzie also clarified that these programs would identify
those “with a history of domestic violence” and would be prioritising them.
The Greens have also called on Labor and the Coalition to
match their funding commitments.
“At the moment we’re seeing cuts to crisis accommodation as
routine by Governments in this country,” said Mackenzie.
“We’re calling on all of the parties running at this
election to match our commitment and really make this a priority issue across
the party lines.”
