Federal Government unveils $100 million family violence package

Violent offenders who have abused their partners could be fitted with tracking devices similar to high-risk sex offenders as part of a $100 million domestic violence package.

In his first major announcement as Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull unveiled a package in Melbourne today aimed at stemming disturbing trends of violence against women in Australia.

Minister for Women Michaelia Cash explained on 3AW Drive the package would be a two-pronged approach to the epidemic.

She said practical initiatives included installing safety buttons and CCTV cameras in victim’s homes, as well as streamlining agencies and authorities who work with women.

‘Items to keep women safe but also improving frontline support for those who come into contact with women experiencing domestic violence,’ she said.

GPS trackers would be employed for those states who use the technology to monitor sex offenders, she said.

‘There are some elements of the package we can do almost immediately,’ she said.

LISTEN: Minister for Women Michaelia Cash on 3AW Drive

Fiona McCormack, Chief Executive Officer of Domestic Violence Victoria, welcomed the announcement.

She said it was a start.

‘I think it’s fantastic that we’re seeing the government starting to really take this issue seriously,’ Ms McCormack said on 3AW Drive.

‘We’ve had 63 women murdered in Australia this year alone, through violence.

‘We’ve got such horrific rates of violence against women and children.’

LISTEN: Fiona McCormack joins Nick McCallum on 3AW Drive