MIGRANT WOMEN'S SUPPORT SERVICE

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women questions about Migrant Women's Support Service.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: In the Migrant Women's Support Service Annual Report 2011-12, the chairperson highlighted that one of their most important issues has been that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women escaping domestic violence no longer have the right to choose who assists them. The Migrant Women's Support Service has been operating for 27 years and from their research and experience they have found that CALD clients refuse referral to a mainstream domestic violence service under the new model implemented in December 2010.

The manager of the Migrant Women's Support Service raised in the annual report that the reformed system placed culturally and linguistically diverse clients in crises of domestic violence risk and, furthermore, in a very disadvantaged position due to the fact that mainstream domestic violence services are not always available due to being at full capacity and, secondly, because the Migrant Women's Support Service is not able to respond and provide their clients with suitable support due to inadequate funding. My questions to the minister are:

1. What consultations has the minister had with the Migrant Women's Support Service since the new modelling system was introduced? Is she aware of the serious implications migrant women clients are facing?

2. What actions will the minister take to ensure that the clients are not in crises of domestic violence?

3. How will the minister support the Migrant Women's Support Service to respond and provide migrant women clients with fair and equitable services?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:22): Yes, domestic violence is an issue for the whole of our community, men and women alike, and it has no boundaries. It cuts across all classes, all economic income layers and all ethnic groups as well. Unfortunately there are some groups that are at higher risk than others. We are well aware of these trends. Unfortunately there is a paucity of data because a lot of these women do not report assaults. Nevertheless we engage right across our CALD sector, working with women's groups in particular, identifying and understanding where particular risks lie. We are working with our service providers to provide as culturally sensitive services as we possibly can to meet their needs.