ANDREW Barr and Simon Corbell have released three reports on the impact of family violence on the ACT community.

“It is clear from these reports that the Canberra community can and must do more to ensure families are safe in their own homes,” Andrew said.

“The ACT Government welcomes the recommendations contained within the reports which contribute towards a whole of government and service provider response to prevent family violence.

“The Government will deliver a comprehensive whole-of-government family violence package in the 2016-17 Budget to ensure as a community we keep our families safe.

“The Government is committed to improving our service systems to ensure we are equipped to identify the earliest of warning signs to prevent family violence from occurring wherever possible.

“Family violence is a national issue and governments across the country are united in their commitment to change. The ACT Government has made significant investments to address family violence and there is now a clear direction for local change as a result of these reports. We have supported the National Campaign on Violence Against Women and Children and have strengthen laws to better protect vulnerable domestic violence victims.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell said the Government will also release a formal response to these reports in the near future.

“These reports are detailed and raise complex issues so it is appropriate for the ACT Government to consider these reports together, rather than each in isolation, so that we can have a holistic response to the issues that they raise,” Simon said.

“The reports all examine critical aspects of the ACT Government’s family violence service system and the best approach for change to meet the needs of victims and their families while holding perpetrators to account.

“A common theme is a need for greater information sharing and a more collaborative response to family violence, so the Government will address these reports together, not in isolation, to ensure action is taken early.

“We must keep Canberra families safe, it is our community responsibility. The ACT Government will continue to work partnership with the community to help bring about change for those experiencing family violence and ensure the right services are available.”

The reports released today are:

• Report of the Inquiry: Review into the system level responses to family violence in the ACT by Laurie Glanfield AM;
• Review of Domestic and Family Violence Deaths in the ACT by the Domestic Violence Prevention Council; and
• Domestic Violence Service System Gap Analysis Project Final Report by the Community Services Directorate.

The reports are available at cmd.act.gov.au .