More funding to help end gender-based violence in Tasmania
Media event date: 9 July 2026 Date published: 9 July 2026 Media type: Media release General public The Australian Government has announced an additional $16.5 million to strengthen two key initiatives across Tasmania that respond to and prevent family, domestic, and sexual violence. A $14.8 million boost will continue the 500 Workers Initiative in Tasmania, with funding to be rolled out through to 2030.
A well resourced, well-paid workforce is essential to supporting victim survivors in a timely, trauma informed way. This investment will ensure workers hired as part of the 500 Workers Initiative over the past four years continue to deliver critical services to Tasmanian residents impacted by violence. This forms part of a $291.7 million national commitment to strengthen the sustainability and security of this critical workforce.
Alongside record investments towards frontline services, the Government is also backing programs that stop violence before it starts and break cycles of harm for good. An extra $1.7 million will be invested in the Respectful Men Program, bringing the total Commonwealth investment for the program to $3.2 million. The program, delivered by the Tasmanian Government, empowers men who are serving time in prison to stop using violence, build respectful relationships, and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Evidence shows that when there are gaps between the supports offered in prison and in the community, the risk that perpetrators will return to their past violent behaviour increases. This funding boost will strengthen continuity of care, enabling the Respectful Men Program to better engage men during incarceration and support their transition back home and into their community.
While investments into prevention and response initiatives like these have led to progress, many Australians continue to experience violence. The Government acknowledges that more work is needed to reduce harm and save lives. That’s why consultations are underway across the country to identify what more we can do to deliver practical and systemic solutions that have the greatest impact.
The Assistant Minister for Social Services, Ged Kearney, alongside the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, will meet with sector leaders and experts in Hobart this week to hear firsthand insights. These consultations will help to develop the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.
Everyone is encouraged to have their say. More information on how to participate is available on the Department of Social Services website and the National Office for Child Safety website. Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek: “1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15.
“We’ve taken important steps to drive change and invested $4.4 billion since coming to Government. “That includes funding to keeping skilled workers on the ground in Tasmania and supporting Tasmanian programs that help stop violence before it starts. But we know that for too many people, change isn’t happening fast enough.
“That’s why we’re undertaking a major national consultation on the next chapter of our National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. We’re already heard from 260 frontline services and experts around the country – from Devonport to Cairns – to hear what more we can do to prevent violence, support victim-survivors and deliver lasting change.” Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Ged Kearney: “Tasmania continues to experience rates of family, domestic and sexual violence above national average.
Behind every statistic is a person, family or community whose lives have been affected by violence. That’s why we’re committed to backing the services, workers and prevention programs that help to build a safer Tasmania. “Frontline workers are the backbone of Tasmania’s response to family, domestic and sexual violence.
Today’s $14 million funding boost recognises the extraordinary work they do and helps ensure victim-survivors can continue to access the support they need. “Thank you to every frontline worker across Tasmania. Your commitment, often in the face of immense challenges, changes and saves lives every day.
“The Albanese Government has delivered the largest investment on record to end violence against women and children, but we know there is much more to do. Ending violence also requires us to use innovative, evidence-based approaches to work with men and explore new ways to hold perpetrators to account.” Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Women, Rebecca White: “We are pleased to welcome Assistant Minister Kearney to host today’s roundtable consultation to hear directly from people on the ground what they are seeing in Tasmania to inform the National Action Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.
“The announcements today are about offering critical services that will reduce the harm that is occurring too often in our communities. “With this funding, we have 33 additional frontline workers supporting victim-survivors in a timely and trauma informed way across Tasmania.” Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Senator Carol Brown: “This funding is about keeping support available on the ground when people need it most.
When someone is escaping family violence, they should never be met with a closed door, a full waiting list or a service stretched beyond breaking point. “Family violence does not end just because a prison sentence ends. If we want safer homes and safer communities, we need to work with men before they return home, not wait until the damage is done.
“Every Tasmanian deserves to feel safe in their own home. This investment backs the people doing the hard work, supports women and children when they need help most, and helps break the cycle of violence before it passes to the next generation.” Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Women and the Prevention of Sexual and Family Violence, Jo Palmer: “There is no place for family and gender-based violence in Tasmania and our Government is determined to play its part so every Tasmanian can live free from fear, harm and abuse.
“Every Tasmanian deserves to feel safe, supported and respected, and that starts with having the right services and skilled workers available when people need them most. “The workers delivering these critical services are there for Tasmanians on some of their hardest days, and this investment helps ensure they can continue providing the compassionate, trauma-informed support that makes such a difference.” The Hon Rebecca White MP Family, domestic and sexual violence Accessibility We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia