Jenny’s Place, and five other Hunter-based services, jointly called on local Federal Government candidates to commit to increasing support for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness.
Collaborating with Jenny’s Place to develop local Federal election priorities were Warlga Ngurra, Nova for Women and Children, Carrie’s Place, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service, and Got Your Back Sista.
Their leaders joined Jenny’s Place Executive Manager Marcia Chapman at a media launch on 2 May. They called on all candidates running in the 2022 Federal Election in the electorates of Hunter, Newcastle, Paterson, and Shortland to commit to the priorities.
Increasing accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic violence or homelessness was the top priority for service providers.
“Housing is a basic human right,” Marcia said.
“Until someone has safe and affordable housing, their lives are on hold.”
Other priorities included:
- Preventing gender-based violence
- Paid domestic violence leave
- Remove funding gag clauses
- Long-term and indexed funding
- Free available childcare
- Increasing income support payments
The Federal Election will be held next Saturday, 21 May.
Click on the links below to hear what sector leaders had to say.
Media Coverage:
NBN News
2 May 2022
Hunter Domestic Violence Services call for action
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2022/05/02/hunter-domestic-violence-services-call-for-action/
ABC News
3 May
Housing pressure on Hunter region’s domestic violence services puts Labor, Coalition on notice
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-03/plea-to-federal-politics-on-housing-domestic-violence-crisis/101033304
ABC Newcastle Hunter Catch Up
3 May
Hunter renting hardship, Stockton homes uninsurable, building ecofriendly houses
Podcast features Marcia Chapman, Executive Manager Jenny’s Place 3min 21sec in
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/newcastle-hunter-catch-up/ep-6-hunter-housing-hardship/13865108
NovoNews
5 May
Domestic violence organisations issue federal election priorities
https://novonews.com.au/2022/05/domestic-violence-organisations-issue-federal-election-priorities/
Picture 1: Ann Fletcher (Assistant Manager Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service); Marcia Chapman (Executive Manager Jenny’s Place), Kelly Hansen (CEO Nova for Women and Children), Mel Histon (CEO Got Your Back Sista) Media Launch 2 May, Newcastle
Picture 2: Marcia Chapman (Executive Manager Jenny’s Place) is interviewed by Giselle Wakatama (ABC Newcastle) Media Launch 2 May, Newcastle
