HUMAN Services Minister Michelle Lensink arrived in Mount Gambier early yesterday ahead of a domestic and family violence forum today.
The roundtable discussion with domestic violence organisations and community service providers will inform a revised State Government plan to address family, domestic and sexual violence.
While the forum is not open to the public, Ms Lensink spoke to The Border Watch yesterday about the Liberal Government’s commitment to address the scourge of domestic violence across the state.
“We understand a one-size-fits-all approach is not good enough so we are looking at services across the state and engaging service providers through a series of regional roundtables,” she explained.
“The really important policy areas for regions include capital funding for existing services if they want to upgrade their premises, the new crisis accommodation beds and the safety hubs.
“These forums assist the government to establish a coherent and much needed plan for reform and enables stakeholders to provide feedback directly about issues.”
The State Government last week announced an $11.9m investment over the next four years towards a suite of measures to support women and children at risk.
The 2018/19 state budget will deliver $4m towards establishing 40 new emergency crisis accommodation beds for people fleeing abuse.
“Locations for the crisis beds are yet to be determined and we will consult about that today,” Ms Lensink said.
“The accommodation will be placed in areas of greatest need.”
Flying into Mount Gambier a day early, Ms Lensink met with Housing SA representatives yesterday before a lunch with Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and a group of health and community service providers.
“I’m in the Mount for the domestic violence roundtable and housing is an important part of that too,” Ms Lensink said.
“There is a large portfolio of Housing SA houses in Mount Gambier, around 1100 properties, so I wanted to talk to representatives about their particular needs.
“I arrived a day before the roundtable because I always like to take some time to catch up with as many service providers as I can when I’m here.”
