Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children has been launched, with the Albanese Labor Government describing the initiative as a historic step toward addressing disproportionately high rates of family, domestic and sexual violence.
The plan, titled Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036, has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and state and territory governments, and sits alongside the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.
The Australian Government said the plan responds to long-standing advocacy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and communities calling for a dedicated, culturally informed approach to ending violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are seven times more likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide and 27 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be hospitalised due to family violence, rising to 41 times more likely in regional and very remote communities.
The plan is backed by $218.3 million in new funding over four years, including investment in a national network of up to 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver community-led specialist support services for women and families experiencing violence.
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said the plan represents a significant milestone.
“This is a historic day. For the first time, Australia has a dedicated national plan to address the unique needs and barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children face in accessing support,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices stands on the shoulders of its advocates – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and victim survivors.”
Speaking on ABC, Plibersek acknowledged the additional challenges facing Indigenous women and children in regional areas.
“That means programs like literally being able to go to an Aboriginal woman who is in a situation of domestic violence and say, how can we help you safely leave? Now, that in a city area is hard enough, but if you’re in a tiny, remote community and you need to fly in to help someone stay safe, you can imagine how much more complex that work is. “
The funding will support crisis responses such as mobile teams in remote areas, safe transport and emergency accommodation, as well as planning assistance to help victims leave violence safely and receive ongoing support. Therapeutic supports, including community playgroups and healing programs, and behaviour change initiatives for men and boys will also be funded.
Ms Plibersek said the plan was shaped by the voices of those with lived experience.
“I’d like to thank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who shared their advice, stories and experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence. Your courage drives this plan,” she said.
The Government will also extend the Leaving Violence Program Regional Trials to 2027, continuing to provide support packages of up to $5,000 and culturally safe assistance to women in regional and remote communities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the plan delivers on a long-held call from First Nations women and organisations.
“Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices delivers on a long-held call by First Nations women and the community sector for a standalone action plan that recognises the specific needs of First Nations families,” Senator McCarthy said.
“Delivering Our Ways builds on our work to end gender-based violence and is a significant step toward realising better outcomes for First Nations women and children across the country.”
The plan has been endorsed by all states and territories and responds to recommendations from the Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children Senate inquiry, as well as national reviews into prevention approaches and Closing the Gap targets.
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