As Amanda Camm took on the role of Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence this year, she was humbled to have been given the opportunity to take on what she describes as an incredibly important and complex portfolio.
Ms Camm highlighted that as a government, they believe Queenslanders deserve to feel safe, and she was committed to driving reform across the sector to deliver greater collaboration.
“Frontline organisations deliver vital support and crisis response to those not-for-profit organisations that fill the gaps in service delivery,” Ms Camm said.
“Sadly, over the past 10 years, the number of victims of family and domestic violence continued to rise and funding allocations have failed in making a meaningful impact.
“Ensuring all Queenslanders have access to services that meet their needs, no matter where they live, is a major focus for me in this role.
“Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to better understand demand and ensure the systems we design are fit for purpose.”
In late December, Ms Camm announced a plan to strengthen DVConnect as part of a major boost to Queensland Domestic Violence services.
It follows the announcement of the Crisafulli Government’s $31.25 million expansion of DVConnect including a new North Queensland Hub; as part of the Government’s Safer Families, Safer Communities policy.
DVConnect fields 450 calls a day on average, connecting many callers with services on the ground across the state. Demand for help has increased by one-third in the past 12 months.
“With the significant reform we have planned in this space, we can take some big steps towards preventing domestic and family violence in our community.
“This is an epidemic, not just in our state, but right across our nation and the world.
“With our broader department’s programs in the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Families, Seniors and Disability and Child Safety we have an opportunity to coordinate a response across the community.
“Everyone has a role in raising awareness for domestic and family violence in our community.
“Understanding definitions and how to recognise the signs is vital in helping prevent the devastating impacts it has on our community.
“One of my key portfolio deliverables is to focus on perpetrator accountability and ensure support is there for families when needed.
“It’s about young people learning what a respectful relationship means and understanding the new consent and coercive control legislation.”
Ms Camm shared that having lived experience, it was never lost on her how difficult it must be for victims to share their experiences, and she felt deeply humbled to be entrusted with their stories.
“Raising the voices of victims is one of the most important parts of my role when it comes to understanding how we as a community can respond to Domestic and Family Violence.
“As part of the Crisafulli Government’s first 100 Days Plan we are establishing a working group with victims of domestic, family and sexual violence to highlight gaps in the system and opportunities for reform.
“A further $24 million has been allocated for the roll-out of domestic and family violence support workers in police stations across Queensland and we are expanding Beyond DV Hope Hub recovery centres with three additional sites across the state.
“We’re also working on piloting a new GPS tracker program for high-risk offenders on Domestic Violence Orders as this will involve putting ankle bracelets on up to 500 offenders, alongside 24/7 monitoring, to act as a deterrent and protect victims.
“It is certainly wonderful to see the brilliant and meaningful work those dedicated across the social and community sector are doing.
“From the not-for-profit organisations, to frontline services and individuals with lived experiences who have the courage to champion change.
“I’ve already met with a wide range of incredible people who work across this sector and I look forward to continuing fostering those relationships and working together as we implement our reforms.”
