Broaden the definition of family violence in Migrations Regulations 1994 (Cth)

The Premier has advocated the need for a strong, coordinated effort through COAG to drive the level of national reform needed to ensure that women and children are kept safe. In August 2016, the Premier wrote to the Prime Minister proposing national work to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

In October 2016, the Premier led a delegation of experts from the Victorian family violence sector to attend the COAG Summit on reducing violence against women and children in Brisbane. At the summit, the Premier advocated for national reform on family violence and highlighted the progress Victoria is making on implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, particularly those with national implications. This includes recommendation 162.

At their December 2016 meeting, COAG agreed to consider enhancing protection for migrant victims of family violence under Australian law, with the Senior Settlement Outcomes Group to progress this work. Victoria took a paper to the Senior Officials Settlement Outcomes Group in April 2017 proposing improved protections for migrants.

The Victorian Government has recently committed $1.9 billion over four years to deliver on the recommendations of the Royal Commission. This includes increased funding for Flexible Support Packages, which are available to people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence, regardless of their migration status.

The Victorian Government has encouraged the Commonwealth Government to improve protections for migrant victims of family violence and we will continue to show strong leadership on protections for migrant victims because the impacts of family violence are the same regardless of someone’s migration status. As the above actions are complete this recommendation is implemented, subject to Implementation Monitor review.