A safer, more accountable DFV system is possible – and achievable now.

The PSA’s five reforms outline a clear, practical pathway to fix NSW’s fractured DFV system. These solutions build state capacity, introduce real accountability, and ensure that safety is treated as the core government responsibility it is.

What is required

ASK 1 – Build Public Sector DFV Services

What we want:

  • Establish a Public DFV Response Unit within the Department of Communities and Justice.
  • Employ DFV specialists directly in:
    • Housing and temporary accommodation
    • Case management
    • Court support
    • Justice system liaison
    • Safety planning
  • Transition essential roles currently outsourced to NGOs into permanent public sector positions.

Why this matters:

NSW cannot rely on patchworked NGO services to perform core public safety functions. Rebuilding public capacity is essential to save lives.

ASK 2 – Long-Term Public Funding

What we want:

  • Replace short-term funding contracts with ongoing, indexed public funding.
  • Stop competitive tendering of critical DFV services.
  • Guarantee stable budgets that allow long-term planning and staff retention.

Why this matters:

Uncertainty leads to service withdrawal, worker burnout, and gaps in care. Stable public investment creates stability and safety.

ASK 3 – Public Accountability & Clear Ownership of Outcomes

What we want:

  • A new DFV Performance and Oversight Unit to track outcomes across Police, Courts, Health, Housing, and NGOs.
  • Mandatory public reporting on failures, delays, and improvements.
  • All providers subject to NSW Government oversight, including the Code of Conduct and Ombudsman review.

Why this matters:

When no-one is accountable, systemic failures continue unchecked. Public responsibility requires public oversight.

ASK 4 – Integrate DFV into Core Government Services

What we want:

  • A 24/7 publicly delivered DFV response service, not outsourced call centres.
  • A single statewide case file system so women never need to retell their story.
  • A specialised DFV Court with powers to intervene early and mandate treatment.
  • DFV liaison officers embedded in:
    • Local courts
    • Police Area Commands
    • NSW Health (ED, maternity, Aboriginal health)
    • Public housing services

Why this matters:

Fragmentation costs lives. Integration saves them.

ASK 5 – Build a Public DFV Workforce

What we want:

  • A professional DFV workforce classification and career pathway.
  • Fair pay, safe workloads, and mandatory DFV and trauma training.
  • Job transfer schemes to bring experienced NGO workers into the public sector.

Why this matters:

A secure, skilled, trauma-informed workforce is essential for a safe and effective system.

A Better Way Exists

Models like Mount Druitt Family Violence Service and Tasmania’s Safe at Home program show that coordinated, government-led services save lives.

This shouldn’t be the exception – it should be the standard across NSW.

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