Developing prevention strategies

In late 2024, Services Australia (the agency) completed a strategic review aiming to collaboratively improve the lived experience of Australians facing family and domestic violence, including financial abuse. The review is part of the Systems Abuse Forward Work plan being led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with an expectation that the agency reports back to Government and other agencies on the outcomes and next steps. Broad engagement across the agency, with external government agencies, peak advisory bodies and industry experts has assisted in forming an initial view on how systems and services are being deliberately misused by a user of violence who is intending to cause harm. The agency is considering a number of opportunities identified, including staff capability uplift and inclusion of case scenarios in future product design.

The agency is currently operationalising our Family and Domestic Violence Strategic Commitment through the development of a Ways of Working - Action Plan to be released later in 2025. The plan will outline a set of tangible and measurable initiatives informed by the strategic reviews.