Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed the $100 million Women’s Safety Package to reduce domestic violence against women and their children.

“The new Prime Minister is taking immediate action to deliver practical measures to keep women and their children safe. This is a very welcome first policy announcement,” Mr Taylor said.

He said the recent spike of violent incidents against women had shown more had to be done to keep women and their children safe.

“So far this year, more than 60 women have been killed in domestic violence incidents. This situation is completely unacceptable and that is why governments across Australia have made addressing this issue a national priority.”

“Frontline services, such as doctors and police, are often the first point of call for women at risk of experiencing violence. However, not all workers are trained to respond, or are confident dealing with matters relating to domestic violence.

“The Government will invest $14.5 million to expand training to police, social workers, emergency department staff and community workers. A further $13.4 million will set up specialised domestic violence units in hotspot areas, and some of those will be in regional areas, to provide coordinated legal and social work and hospital outreach.

“The Government will invest in a number of technology trials, such as GPS monitoring systems to track high risk perpetrators, and personal portable panic buttons for women at risk. $3 million will be spent on working with telecommunications companies to distribute safe phones to women.

“Importantly we are seeking an attitudinal change right across the community and we’re starting the messaging in schools. A website will be up and running next year as a resource for teachers, parents and students on encouraging respectful relationships and changing young people’s attitudes to violence.

“I look forward to working with local groups, as well as State and Federal colleagues, to ensure these practical measures are rolled out efficiently,” Mr Taylor said.