Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) welcomes additional support provided in this year’s Federal Budget for victims of gender-based violence.

Last week’s budget announced $21.4 million over three years from 2025-26 to improve victim and survivor engagement within the justice system and inform a broader response to the Australian Law Reform Commission's inquiry into the Justice System's Response to Sexual Violence.

MASP Manager – Family Safety Dani Edwards said the funding was a step forward for victim-survivors.

“MASP staff see the impacts of Family Violence every day, and one of the major barriers facing victim-survivors is the challenges engaging with the justice system,” she said. 

“Navigating the justice system can be complex and traumatic for people who have already been subject to trauma so we welcome any measures that will address that.”

Additionally, First Nations women, children and communities will receive $21.8 million for family, domestic and sexual violence services and $16.7 million will fund innovative approaches to address the behaviour of people who use violence and support them to change.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented as both victim-survivors and people using family violence, so we are happy to see further measures to address this and protect families,” Ms Edwards said.

“Particularly in the Wentworth and Balranald LGAS where the overall Indigenous population figures sit well above the national average – we welcome Government investment in programs that will make a difference for some of our most vulnerable people.”