By Karl Hoerr -
In just the past week, five women and two children have been killed in Australia. National Legal Aid outlined this fact in its response to the commencement of consultation by the federal government, on the Second Action Plan for the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
NLA Chair Annmarie Lumsden said the devastating toll of violence in Australia underscores the urgency of this work. At the time of NLA’s statement, 29 women and nine children had lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
“Behind these numbers are individuals, families and communities,” said Lumsden. “It is a stark reminder that a sustained, coordinated response is urgently needed.”
Lumsden emphasised the importance of this step. “This consultation is a critical opportunity to refocus national efforts and ensure the next phase of the National Plan delivers meaningful, system-wide change for victim-survivors.”
NLA has argued that legal assistance is a cornerstone of an effective response and must be a critical part of the plan. Demand for these services from legal aid bodies across the country is increasing.
NLA Executive Director Yvette D’Ath said trauma-informed, culturally safe legal support is essential. “Victim-survivors often require legal help across multiple areas, be it protection orders, family law, financial abuse, migration or criminal processes.”
D’Ath welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Second Action Plan. “National Legal Aid brings frontline expertise and looks forward to partnering with government to design reforms that improve justice system responses and remove barriers for those seeking help.”
More information on the Second Action Plan can be found at the Department of Social Services website.
