Queensland government slashes domestic violence funding by 38 million dollars
The Queensland government has cut $38.5 million in domestic and family violence prevention funding while disbanding a specialist police operational unit. The cuts coincide with reported increases in domestic violence-related murders and concerns over the efficacy of protection orders.
The Queensland government has slashed domestic and family violence prevention funding by $38 million. Budget papers show funding for domestic and family violence (DFV) prevention will fall to $340.7m in 2026–27 – down $38.5m from last year’s allocation and $15.8m below what was actually spent, despite warnings services are under severe pressure.
Staffing and Service Reductions
Staffing has also been reduced, with funded full-time equivalent positions falling from 93 to 81 while frontline agencies report surging demand, rising operating costs and increasingly complex crisis cases. In tandem with these fiscal shifts, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has moved to dismantle its specialist domestic violence operational support unit. This decision followed a 100-day review of police operations, which concluded that domestic violence case management was not “core” police business. The unit, which previously provided 24-hour expert advice to officers across the state, was established following a 2022 commission of inquiry into the service’s response to violence.
Media additions
Assistant commissioner Rhys Wildman defended the disbandment of the specialist team, stating the QPS has matured since the initial inquiry and that resources are being redeployed to local districts to enhance the frontline response. However, this shift has been met with criticism from the Labor opposition and advocates. Critics argue that regional and remote stations, which may lack specialized training, will lose an essential resource for casework support. The move has been labeled by some as a departure from the recommendations of the 2022 commission of inquiry, which sought to address systemic issues of misogyny and racism within the force.
Growing Crisis Indicators
According to the latest available Queensland Police Service data, the number of people murdered in domestic violence situations in Queensland has increased from 21 in 2023-24 to 25 in 2024-25 – a spike of 19 per cent. Concurrently, the government’s flagship Police Protection Directions (PPDs) have failed. Introduced in January, police have issued just 862 PPDs, with more than 300 breaches. Between January and May year-on-year, the number of PPN breaches almost tripled to more than 11,000 offences in the five-month period.
The Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance reports that the current approach is failing to deter offenders. Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Alliance chief executive Mel Arnost stated that the sector was in “desperate need” of more support to keep pace with demand and escalating costs. Meanwhile, advocates have pointed to a bottleneck in support services, compounded by the housing affordability crisis.
Sector Response
| Indicator | Trend |
|---|---|
| DFV Prevention Funding | Decreased by 38.5 million dollars |
| Funded FTE Positions | Decreased from 93 to 81 |
| DV-Related Murders (2024-25) | Increased by 19 per cent |
| PPN Breaches (Jan-May 2026) | Nearly tripled |
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Minister Amanda Camm – who is already under fire for multiple scandals within her Child Safety portfolio – did not explain the funding cuts and did not answer questions about offenders repeatedly breaching orders. Similarly, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg noted that the government has prioritized adding new police officers to the beat to ensure community safety.
The situation in Queensland mirrors challenges seen elsewhere, where victim service providers are grappling with funding shortfalls. In the United States, for instance, programs supported by Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants have faced reductions due to a decline in federal criminal penalties, leaving organizations unable to meet the needs of those seeking legal help and housing. According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, such funding gaps force agencies to turn away survivors who have made the difficult decision to leave dangerous situations.
What to Watch Next
- Government Review: Police Minister Dan Purdie said he was “considering opportunities to strengthen these nation-leading laws”.
- Strategy Development: The state government would not say whether the government would publish a comprehensive domestic and family violence strategy, after earlier releasing an eight-page document that outlined broad objectives but contained no clear targets or timelines.
- Service Capacity: With the defunding of programs like the Housing Connectors initiative, stakeholders will be monitoring whether existing refuges can manage the projected increase in demand from women and children.
