My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, and the action I seek is for the minister to discuss our government’s prevention strategy with key community groups in the Glen Waverley district. Helping someone you know at risk of family violence is so daunting because it requires a different solution in almost every situation and services can be difficult to access. That is why under this government a royal commission brought this issue to the front of people’s minds and all 227 recommendations have been fully implemented. It concluded that too many victims of family violence suffer alone. The royal commission edified that we must save crucial time by simplifying the ways people can find help. In response the Allan Labor government created a new government service called the Orange Door. This service fits all family violence supports in one place, and I wish to advise community groups in my electorate on how they can refer this service to people who otherwise slip through the cracks.
Groups like the Bengali Association of Victoria and the Victoria Tamil Senior Citizens Benevolent Society have done incredible work and are the social fabric that many people rely on. I would also like to thank support groups such as IndianCare, who have also had an invaluable personal touch for those in need. A big thanks is also needed for Veera Brave Girl for their organisation’s educational, financial and legal advice that saves lives.
In Parliament this week we have the community legal centre exhibition, which is showcasing our wonderful community legal centres that provide so much support to our community in this space. I would also like to give a special acknowledgement to the Eastern Community Legal Centre and thank Michael Smith and his team for the backup and support they give to the people in our community. Preventing family violence requires others to step in, and my community is ready to embrace those that need and deserve help through the Orange Door. I look forward to hosting the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and discussing how my team and our community groups can stand up against this scourge.
Minister’s Response:
I thank the Member for Glen Waverley for his question, advocacy and for raising the importance of preventing family and sexual violence in Victoria.Thank you also for your invitation and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important policy area further with key community groups in the Glen Waverly district.
The Victorian Government continues to lead the nation in its commitment to preventing and responding to family and sexual violence, with more than $4 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Our reforms are guided by the bold and ambitious Ending Family Violence – Victoria’s 10-year plan for change, and as you note, we have implemented every single one of the Royal Commission’s 227 recommendations.
Victoria has made substantial progress in this policy area and will continue to further build on this momentum. Examples of this include the Victorian Government’s Strong Foundations: Building on Victoria’s Work to End Family Violence, released in December 2023. This document outlines our ongoing commitment to reducing rates of family and sexual violence, placing a stronger emphasis on the needs of children and young people, and further enhancing support for all victim-survivors. At the same time, we remain focused on holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Most recently, in May 2024, the Premier announced a new package of measures to strengthen the safety of women and children by changing laws and changing culture.
The Orange Door network that the Member has referred to is a free, accessible intake, assessment, and brief intervention service that is available to all Victorians, regardless of where they live. It is for children, young people, and adults who are experiencing or using family violence, and for families who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. The closest entry point to The Orange Door for residents in the Glen Waverley electorate is in Box Hill, and can be attended without an appointment, or contacted by phone or email.
The Member’s question highlighted the excellent work being done by community groups to support members of Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities. We know that people from these communities may face additional barriers to accessing support and may experience other forms of discrimination that compound the devastating impacts of family and sexual violence.
Within the City of Monash local government area, which incorporates Glen Waverley, several activities are being delivered to prevent and respond to family violence, including work with faith and multicultural communities, local government, women’s health services, and in settings that engage young people. I also acknowledge the critical role that community legal centres play in responding to family and sexual violence, and I acknowledge the excellent work of the Eastern Community Legal Centre, particularly in responding to elder abuse. I note that oversight and responsibility for community legal centres sits with the Attorney-General.
I thank the Member for his ongoing interest in, and commitment to, preventing and responding to family violence in his community.
Vicki Ward
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence