Focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children

The focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children, along with the impact of family and domestic violence in First Nations communities, is an ongoing Government priority.

On 4 August 2022, the Senate referred an inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee. The Senate Inquiry report was released on 15 August 2024. A copy of the Report can be found at Missing and murdered First Nations women and children – Parliament of Australia. 

The Australian Government Response to the Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations women and children was tabled in Parliament on 25 November 2024. The Australian Government Response can be found at Government Response – Parliament of Australia.

As part of the Government's response, National Cabinet confirmed its commitment to maintaining a central focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children at its 6 September 2024 meeting. National Cabinet agreed that all government commitments on gender-based violence must consider the needs and experiences of First Nations people. National Cabinet also agreed these must be delivered in genuine partnership with First Nations communities.

Following this meeting, National Cabinet announced a $4.7 billion package to work together to prevent violence and support legal services. This investment in ending violence goes towards addressing the recommendations of the Inquiry. For more information on the National Cabinet outcomes see Meeting of National Cabinet - Prime Minister of Australia.

A key response to the Inquiry is the development of the first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan now known as Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices). When launched, Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices will provide direction for future policy approaches. For more information on Our Ways see the update on the 'Standalone First Nations National Plan for family safety' activity.

Other key responses include the delivery of the National Peak Body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family safety and the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Sector Strengthening Plan. For more information on these activities see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan Update.