The State Opposition says today’s report of community service organisations being ignored by the McGowan Government is indicative of a systemic problem.
Relationships Australia WA has said that organisations such as theirs are being offered no extra funding, and in some cases are having funding cut, during contract negotiations with the Department of Communities.
“Reports of the McGowan Government ignoring pleas from not-for-profit organisations working to prevent family and domestic violence is disappointing but not surprising,” Shadow Minister for Child Protection Nick Goiran said.
“I’ve had multiple organisations complain to me about this exact issue.
“This response from the Labor State Government is all the more galling given it has just recently received $3 million dollars of Federal funding to boost their family and domestic violence response.
“I share the exasperation of community service providers. Over the last two years when I have posed questions about the scourge of family and domestic violence I have been met with the McGowan Government regurgitating their commitment to a 10-year strategy.
“The fact that consultation on the strategy concluded 12 months ago and that there is no sign of it being released demonstrates yet again the dysfunctional state of affairs within the Department of Communities.
“Meanwhile, we continue our three-year wait for WA Labor to deliver on its commitments for a second Peel refuge and two one-stop hubs. I’ve stopped holding my breath.