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A national watchdog is needed to ensure state, territory and federal governments effectively implement policies and programs to stop violence against women and children, according to the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Commissioner. In her latest assessment of whether governments are meeting their commitments to prevent and respond to violence against women and children, commissioner Micaela Cronin said the amount of progress being made is not commensurate with substantial government investment nor in line with years of inquiry recommendations. "The risk is that activity is mistaken for progress," the commissioner's report said. The DFSV commission found systems meant to keep governments accountable are so fragmented they are leading to authorities passing the buck on responsibility. "Without a clear line of accountability, duplication persists, agencies can defer responsibility and systemic reforms stall," she said. The commissioner also called for greater powers to compel all government agencies to provide data and information so the DFSV commission can better assess progress on the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. While rates of intimate partner homicide have decreased over the longer term, there was a sudden uptick in 2023-24 — the largest single year increase in over a decade. The numbers show a failure to meet a key performance measurement in the national plan: a 25 per cent reduction per year in female victims of intimate partner homicide. Sexual assault statistics also rose to their highest rate in over 30 years. But, Ms Cronin said these statistics can be turned around if governments act urgently. "What gives me hope is that our biggest challenges are completely within our control to change. "The question is not whether we can create a future where all Australians live free from violence, the question is whether we choose to." More than 1,000 recommendations gathering dust prompts watchdog call The commission analysed more than 1,000 recommendations from more than 25 federal, state and territory inquiries, royal commissions and coronial inquests into violence against women and children since 2010. It found that while recommendations were often "repeated in report after report" many had not been consistently or widely implemented. "The challenge is not generating solutions," Ms Cronin said. "The gap between what we know needs to be done and what — and most crucially how — we are implementing at scale has never been more apparent." Do you know more about this story? Get in touch long.claudia@abc.net.au or claudialong.01 on Signal Among consistent recommendations are sustainable investment in the frontline workforce, support services that are culturally safe and led by Indigenous communities and men's behaviour change programs. Ms Cronin noted that while progress has been made in some areas, with programs like the federal government's leaving violence payment, it has been inconsistent, creating the need for a national body to track implementation and delivery of policies and commitments. Among the proposed watchdog's responsibilities would be providing quarterly tracking reports to national cabinet, establishing performance measures on DFSV for department secretaries and ensuring victim survivors of violence and sector workers are represented in policy development. "The evidence is clear, inquiries have mapped what is required. Funding has been committed. Institutions exist to provide oversight. What is missing is consistent and coordinated delivery." Report adds to pressure on federal government over sexual and family violence The commissioner's report has landed while the federal government is already under pressure to do more to stop violence against women and children. Family violence campaigners are urging the government to follow the recommendations of its own rapid review into how to prevent violence against women and children, including a ban on gambling advertising. When asked about the recommendation of the rapid review and a landmark Senate inquiry for a total ban on gambling ads, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would not make "policy on the run". Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said while there is still more work to be done to stop family, domestic and sexual violence the federal government is making inroads. "We have not stood still for one moment in our efforts to end gender-based violence," she said in a statement. "And while there has been enormous investment, action and progress — it is not enough." Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney, said the government would ensure prevention of sexual violence — a key focus of Ms Cronin's 2024 report — remains a key priority. "That's why we're acting to stop assaults on campus, banning harmful online technology, funding consent and respectful relationships education across the country, and investing in world leading sexual assault prevention research," Ms Kearney said. "We want to learn, listen and we are acting." The commissioner's report will be tabled in parliament today.
