The Government revealed today that money earmarked for the family and violence package will be used to disguise the impact of the Liberal Government’s damaging budget cuts to counselling support services.
“The Government is continuing to cut family violence counselling support services for both adults and children with more time job full time jobs slated to go,” Ms Giddings said.
“The Minister for Human Services, Jackie Petrusma, has admitted the $25 million Family Violence Package will be used to restore counselling programs that have been cut by the Hodgman Government.
“The Government knows it can longer justify cutting family violence counselling support services.
“Rosie Batty has warned of a tsunami of victims coming forward as they consider there are now more options available to them to seek help.
“The Government must immediately stop any further jobs cuts and lift its freeze on backfilling and advertising for positions that have gone.
“It is a fact that right now less children and adults affected by family violence have access to counselling because of the budget cuts and the Government must right that wrong immediately.
“The Government claims the $25m family violence package will be new money when the reality is a portion will be used to restore old programs which have been cut.”
Lara Giddings MP Shadow Attorney-General
