MP pledges DV funding

FEDERAL member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, has promised almost one million dollars for more domestic violence support services if her party wins government this Saturday.

Last week, the Labor incumbent announced $920,000 to fund local crisis accommodation and five support workers for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“Labor’s announcement is that we see [domestic violence] is an issue across Australia, but here in this region, and we will help build more houses for women and children in that situation,” she said.

The accommodation would provide short to medium term stays, and Federal Labor expects it could house 83 people. The party also estimates the five support workers could help 400 women.

Ms Chesters said the accommodation is part of a Labor plan for social and community housing and would likely be a new build.

“Similar to what we had with Annie North, it’ll be at a secret location so that people have that security, we’ll also include new workers and programs to help women when they are the most vulnerable,” she said.

“[Women and their children] need safety, a haven and a place where they can start to rebuild their lives.”

Ms Chesters said a growing Bendigo population meant the number of people experiencing domestic violence was rising.

“[Domestic violence] has been a shocking problem across our country, including here in Bendigo, for too many years,” she said.

“What Labor is doing is helping to be part of the solution by providing the accommodation to women and children when they first flee.

“This has been a huge issue in Australian society for many years and we are going to be a responsible government that plays our part in helping to turn around the crisis.”