At the forefront of my mind this week is the prevalence of violence across our communities, particularly violence directed at women and at children. Wednesday this week (6 May) was National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day – a day to remember and honour those killed due to family and domestic violence and show support for those experiencing family and domestic violence. I know that many of you would have participated in a candlelight vigil or paused to reflect on lives taken and clients, friends or family members impacted by family violence. Last night, vigils were held across the country to honour Kumanjayi Little Baby, who’s short life was so brutally ended at the hands of a violent man, and acknowledge the deep grief – and the love – of her family and community. This was an act of violence enabled, as Catherine Liddle CEO of SNAICC reflected, by “multiple system-level failures”. My heart goes out to all those who loved Kumanjayi little baby. As a society we need to get better at providing the systems and supports that enable families to keep safe. Of course, many of you are on the front line doing this important work, but more is needed and our governments must step up to the job.
The Federal Budget is just a few days away and I am hopeful we will see more to address violence – and to address poverty and homelessness. I’ll be in Budget Lockup on Tuesday evening and, as always, my team and I will deliver a Budget briefing to FRSA Members. This will be in your inbox on Wednesday morning. FRSA and our members were relieved to get advanced notification that family law services, funded through the Attorney-General’s Department, will be funded beyond June 2026 to end June 2028. This government commitment was looking shaky, and we are grateful that the government – as it faces tough fiscal challenges – has listened to sector concerns and recognised the value of this vital work. Family law services intervene early to prevent escalation into prolonged litigation, crisis accommodation, family violence and higher-cost justice system engagement.
FRSA National Conference is just over a week away and we are getting very excited here in the FRSA Office. My team and I love the Conference and can’t wait to see you all! The Conference provides a fantastic opportunity for networking, sharing practice and learning. See more news below on our final keynote speakers. It’s not too late to register! We have just hit the 550 mark but there is always room for more!
