Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Women spokesperson
The Greens welcome the Premier’s announcement the application fees for Family Violence Orders will be removed. This move will potentially save lives.
As legislators, we have a responsibly to remove all barriers for those escaping violent situations. Slugging applicants with a fee to feel safe is terrible policy.
For some, finding a spare $47.40 on any given day is impossible. This is especially so for women who have their finances controlled in family violence situations.
The waiving of all fees related to the Family Violence Act 2004 will mean more women can access Family Violence Orders when they need them. It is a simple fix that will, no doubt, save lives.
We congratulate the advocates for this change – those in the community sector, and the Examiner newspaper for its Fighting Back campaign.
This small and relatively inexpensive reform is a positive step for women and children escaping family violence.