PREMIER Mike Baird and Treasurer Andrew Constance are determined to impose a narrow cost-cutting neo-Liberal agenda on the NSW public, where the economy takes precedence over society.
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Losses of the public’s assets are socialised and profits privatised.
Domestic violence services are suffering under the Baird government’s neo-Liberal agenda.
While the Australian of Year, Rosie Batty, who lost everything to domestic violence, is praised for her courage, bravery and working for change, Andrew Constance has cut funding to domestic violence services, merging them with Christian charities’ homelessness services, which, because of federal cuts, are more stretched than ever.
Andrew Constance said recently that comments about the closure of domestic violence services were “fear-mongering” but evidence shows otherwise.
Domestic violence services on the Central Coast and in the Hunter have closed because of funding cuts.
Remaining services have reduced hours and caseloads have increased due to lack of additional staff or funding.
The losers are women and children escaping domestic violence and the skilled workers who support them.
While Moruya Women’s Refuge remains open it is now run by Mission Australia.
Important local knowledge has been lost along with continuity of care.
Privatisation of domestic violence services is framed around what proponents of neo-liberalism believe ought to be, instead of what is.
Domestic violence costs the community $13.6 billion a year.
It is a false economy to cut funding and services that support women when we know that one woman dies every week due to domestic homicide, resulting in immense trauma for those left behind.
Forcing the issue of domestic violence into a narrow neo-Liberal framework where saving money trumps saving lives, is not decent or acceptable.
Maureen Searson
Batemans Bay