The government says it intends to undertake further long-term reforms to prevent domestic,sexual and family violence in NSW and Minns has kept open the option of a root-and-branch inquiry into the issue. But senior government figures stressed both privately and publicly the need for immediate action on an issue that has prompted public outcry.

In a statement,Minns said the funding was an acknowledgment that “too many lives have been lost and too many families have been broken because of domestic and family violence”.

“It is a blight in our communities,and it is a problem that deserves our government’s concerted attention and response,” he said. “We cannot accept the status quo.”

“This funding announcement is an important step to doing better,to recognising that domestic violence supports need to be applied not just from a crisis response perspective,but with an eye to disrupting the cycle of domestic and family violence early and permanently.”

However,the government is yet to say what it will do on criminal justice reforms. Though changes to bail laws are likely — Minns will say on Monday that the government has set aside $45 million for justice reforms — the government intends to wait for advice from the NSW Crown Advocate due later this month before announcing changes.

“In the coming weeks,we will confirm and announce the details of $45 million to improve bail laws and justice system responses,ensuring we are reviewing domestic violence supports and systems from every angle,” Attorney-General Michael Daley said.

“NSW needs a co-ordinated approach across multiple fronts to disrupt domestic violence. That is what this suite of funding initiatives is designed to achieve.”

Missing also from the announcement is any additional funding for crisis accommodation,despite NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson identifying it as a key problem. TheSydney Morning Herald revealed last week that the crisis has become so bad in parts of regional NSW thatwomen fleeing domestic violence are being housed in tents and one shelter has been forced to set up a secure car park,so women can sleep safely.

A 2022 evaluation of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program found the broader housing crisis was “the biggest barrier across regional NSW” to the program’s success.

“How do you try to increase safety in a home when there’s just no housing available?” one service provider was quoted as saying in the evaluation report.

If you or anyone you know needs support,you can contact the National Sexual Assault,Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732),Lifeline 131 114,or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. The men’s referral service is on 1300 766 491.

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