Second Action Plan
The next phase of national action
The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 (National Plan) is Australia’s long-term strategy to end gender-based violence in one generation. It aims to build a safer Australia where all people can live free from violence. One where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The Second Action Plan will build on the work of the First Action Plan and help guide national efforts from 2027.
Need for Second Action Plan
While we have made great progress, violence against women and children is still an issue in Australia. We need to strengthen prevention efforts, improve responses and recovery pathways. We also need to ensure people experiencing violence can access the support they need.
The Second Action Plan will help to:
- build on First Action Plan achievements
- respond to new evidence
- address changing community needs
- strengthen efforts to prevent violence before it occurs
- improve outcomes for victim-survivors and children
- support a more coordinated and effective national response
- continue progress towards the National Plan.
Developing the Second Action Plan
We are developing the Second Action Plan in partnership with:
- Commonwealth, state and territory governments
- First Nations organisations and leaders
- victim-survivors and people with lived experience
- specialist family, domestic and sexual violence services
- peak bodies
- community organisations
- researchers and subject matter experts
- members of the community.
This will happen in stages, informed by evidence. It will draw on:
- lessons learned from the First Action Plan
- consultation submissions and survey responses
- research and evaluation findings
- emerging evidence and data
- jurisdictional experience
- reform initiatives.
Consultation
Consultation on the Second Action Plan took place between 22 May and 31 July 2026.
We thank all individuals and organisations who contributed their time, knowledge and lived experience during our consultation. Your feedback will help shape the Second Action Plan.
We are analysing the findings alongside broader evidence, to:
- find key themes and emerging priorities
- understand what is working well
- learn where we need improvements
- inform proposed action and investment
- support a focused and achievable Second Action Plan.
Visit the DSS Engage website for information about the consultation process(Opens in a new tab/window). This includes consultation papers and engagement materials.
Next steps
Over the coming months, we will:
- finish analysing findings from the consultation
- work with state and territory governments and stakeholders on priorities
- develop and confirm the proposed structure and content of the Second Action Plan
- draft the Second Action Plan for consideration by government
- finalise implementation, reporting and accountability arrangements.
Stay informed
We will publish updates on the development of the Second Action Plan as work progresses. This will include consultation outcomes and future milestones.