State Government accused of underdelivering on FDV pledge, with Geraldton refuge still in early planning stage

The Cook Labor Government has taken initial steps toward expanding family and domestic violence support services in Geraldton, but questions have been raised over why only a fraction of its pre-election funding promise has been delivered. While Labor pledged $15.4 million to boost crisis accommodation in the Mid West, just $1.4m has been allocated in the 2025-26 State Budget for planning and business case development — an amount to be shared between Geraldton and Albany. Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr said the limited funding and lack of clear timelines signalled a concerning lack of urgency on a critical issue. “To see a lack of urgency from the State Government regarding such an important issue in the community is concerning,” she said. “Crisis accommodation is already at breaking point: we can’t wait another three years.” The broader $33.3m support package includes $27.1m to expand refuge capacity across WA. In Geraldton, the investment intends to support the delivery of 12 new family and domestic violence refuge units, providing emergency accommodation for vulnerable victim-survivors and their children. Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Jessica Stojkovski said detailed work needed to be completed before the full funding commitment could be unlocked. “The Geraldton refuge expansion is currently in the early planning phase. The 2025–26 State Budget allocates $200,000 to commence detailed project planning for the delivery of additional crisis accommodation in Geraldton,” she said. “Once the business case is completed and assessed, the further funding decisions and timelines will be established.” In addition, Geraldton has been named as one of the regional centres to benefit from an $11.5m expansion of the Safe at Home program — a scheme designed to allow victim-survivors to remain in their homes while receiving wraparound support. “The expansion in Geraldton will significantly enhance local capacity to respond to family and domestic violence and support victim-survivors in rebuilding their lives,” Ms Stojkovski said.