A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $4 million for a local residential facility to support women and children escaping violence to be able to access emergency accommodation.
Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the Leonora Residential Support Program would offer security as well as practical life support for domestic violence victim-survivors.
“Women and children across remote communities can often face challenges when trying to leave violent situations,” Mr Wilson said.
“A fit-for-purpose facility will be constructed in Leonora to provide specialist support and counselling for women experiencing or escaping from family, domestic and sexual violence.
“I am committed to addressing entrenched forms of disadvantage and its often long-term impact on our next generation.”
The facility for the Leonora Shire Council is proposed to have four flexible floor plan units, each catering for larger and smaller family sizes with the ability to be separated into two independent homes.
Mr Wilson said Leonora Shire Council CEO Jim Epis had written to him advising that the Shire Council had unanimously supported the locally developed plans.
“Mr Epis passionately put forward a case for funding and I am so proud the Morrison Government has been able to respond in this way, committing to it if re-elected on May 21,” Mr Wilson said.
Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the support would be client-focussed to ensure it was culturally appropriate and suitable.
“We know there’s no one size fits all approach and the Leonora Residential Support Program will be tailored for the local and surrounding community,” Minister Ruston said.
“The Morrison Government is absolutely committed to supporting women and their children who are struggling to find a safe place to stay to have a roof over their head and access the assistance they need.”
Only the Morrison Government will continue to deliver a better future for Australians, and this is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
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