Tasmanian Greens MPs

Original Motion

That the House:—

(1)           Recognises that family violence is Tasmania’s greatest community safety and law and order issue.

(2)           Further recognises that the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (FVCSS) sits within the Tasmanian Government Safe at Home service delivery framework.

(3)           Notes:—

(a)           that the FVCSS Adult Program was not acknowledged in the Safe Homes, Families, Community Action Plan 2019-2022.  The omission fails to recognise that 6,126 referrals of victims of family violence were assessed, contacted, supported and provided with counselling, information and support by the FVCSS;

(b)           there has been no increased investment in the Adult Program of the FVCSS.  The Tasmanian Government has not supported the FVCSS to meet current demand.  Adding single worker services in the community and fragmenting the provision of service delivery has not created additional capacity in the sector.

(c)           that the FVCSS has seen an increase in demand of 200% and that 6,126 clients were referred or accessing this service in the last year; and

(d)           that in order to meet demand the FVCSS has identified a staffing shortfall of 11.54 FTW statewide.

(4)           Further notes:—

(a)           with concern the proposal to integrate sexual assault and family violence sectoral response; and

(b)           the Federal Government decision to fund couples counselling for victims of family violence.

(5)           Calls on the State Government to recognise the FVCSS as an integral part of the Safe at Home service delivery model and fund the staffing shortfall immediately.