Crisis Accommodation

The Australian Government is investing $32.2 million over 3 years from 2023–24 to increase the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s shelters and crisis accommodation services, particularly for First Nations women and children escaping violence.

These activities are designed to:

• expand accommodation options
• facilitate urgent repairs and safety improvements
• evaluate and strengthen crisis accommodation models.

The program is being delivered across a range of Aboriginal regions, with a strong focus on regional and remote communities. Examples include:

• In Gunnedah, New South Wales, crisis accommodation services are being strengthened through infrastructure upgrades and workforce support to better meet the needs of women and children escaping violence.
• In Wadeye, Northern Territory, crisis accommodation capacity is being expanded through integrated support services and culturally centred healing programs for men and youth, contributing to safer environments for families.
• In Fitzroy Crossing and Derby, Western Australia, urgent repairs and culturally safe service models are being developed to improve the safety and accessibility of women’s shelters.
• In Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak, East Arnhem, renovations and upgrades are underway to improve the safety and functionality of community safe houses.
• In Palm Island, Queensland, crisis accommodation services are receiving support to enhance infrastructure and service delivery for women and children experiencing violence.
• In Alice Springs and the across the NPY tri-state region, crisis services are being evaluated and strengthened to ensure culturally responsive support for women and children in remote communities.
• In Victoria, crisis accommodation services are being supported through workforce development and urgent repairs, including in urban and regional areas.
• In Glenorchy, Tasmania, new crisis accommodation sites are being funded to support more individuals and families.
• In Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, additional crisis accommodation is being provided to support more individuals and families.
• In Cairns, Queensland, services are being expanded to improve access to culturally appropriate crisis accommodation for First Nations women and children.

These initiatives complement and support existing services, enabling improved service delivery and safer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

For more information see https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/16446.