Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in New South Wales

F. ISSUES FOR RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Government Response

A ‘dry’ area is an area where alcohol possession, sales and consumption are not permitted. A ‘restricted’ area is an area where alcohol outlets are permitted and are subject to certain restrictions on how and when alcohol can be sold and supplied.

Queensland and the Northern Territory have ‘restricted’ and ‘dry’ areas that are managed by discrete Aboriginal communities and their governing Councils.

Some evidence suggests that creating ‘dry’ communities may have some positive impacts, such as decreases in road accidents, assault (including domestic violence), and alcohol related injuries. Other evidence suggests ‘dry’ communities may experience negative impacts, including an increase in the illegal sale and transportation of alcohol, and an increase in binge drinking.

Issues around alcohol sales and supply in Aboriginal communities can be tackled through:

§          provisions of the New South Wales liquor laws that can be used to reduce alcohol related issues in communities, including restrictions on trading hours and types of sales (eg. take-away sales)
§          complaints made by residents, police, local councils and others where the amenity of local neighbourhoods is unduly disturbed by the conduct of licensed venues and/or their patrons
§          the capacity of the Liquor Administration Board to hear and determine these disturbance complaints arising from the conduct of a group of licensed premises
§          liquor law provisions that prohibit the sale and supply of liquor without a licence and the sale of liquor to the public from unlicensed premises (offences attracting maximum penalties of $5,500 or imprisonment for six months or both)
§          local liquor accords which can implement supply restriction measures such as ‘lock-outs’.

In response to National Competition Policy requirements and assessments, the Government is preparing to introduce a new social impact assessment scheme to replace the current “needs test” in the Liquor Act 1982 which determines the number of hotels and liquor stores in a particular community (see Section 10). A feature of this Assessment scheme will be that the licensing authority will not be able to issue hotel and liquor store licences if the overall impact of the licence were to be detrimental to the local and broader community. The scheme will allow licensing issues specifically relating to Aboriginal communities to be considered before new venues are approved.

To assist in further community discussion on ‘dry areas’ the Department of Gaming and Racing will prepare a discussion paper on the supply and control of alcohol in Aboriginal communities and selected areas. The discussion paper will be prepared in consultation with Aboriginal groups, including the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council, and will be released in 2005.

It is envisaged the discussion paper will be available in 2005 for public comment to enable careful consideration of appropriate policy and legislative options. The discussion paper will canvass any liquor licensing measures that may be required to support discrete Aboriginal communities in New South Wales wishing to become ‘dry’ or ‘restricted’ communities. It will also take into account licensing and other legislative reforms to be introduced during 2004 and 2005 and will address any competition policy implications associated with the concept of ‘dry areas’ or ‘restricted areas’.

See also Recommendations 2.8 and 10.6.

Government Response

Significant targeted funding of drug and alcohol related projects in rural communities has been funded over the past three years under the Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy.

A Steering Committee will be formed by the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council, NSW Health, the Office of Children and Young People, the Strategic Projects Division of the Premier’s Department, NSW Police and the Department of Gaming and Racing to develop a proposal for two rural trials for substance abuse prevention trials.

The two trials will be tailored to the needs of local communities with significant Aboriginal populations. The trials will address alcohol, inhalant and illicit drug issues (Rec. 1.12).

The trials will be supported by local consultative committees, which may already be established. Members will include local community members, community groups, local councils, Aboriginal community representatives, government agencies, health services, and the liquor industry. In considering the location of the two trials, consideration will be given to the level of existing programs, the evidence of need, and community support for such trials.

The trials will be modelled on similar multifaceted projects such as the Cabramatta Anti Drug Strategy, the Community Solutions Town Projects, the Redfern/Waterloo Partnership Project and the Miller project. But they will give special emphasis to bringing forward projects which arise out of the recommendations of the Summit. The proposal will be progressed under the auspice of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Drugs and Alcohol.  

In addition, the Government is developing a partnership project with the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation in association with senior researchers from the medical schools at the Universities of Newcastle, New South Wales, Flinders and Queensland. The AERF has proposed a partnership project entitled Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in Rural Communities. Its key aim is to test the effectiveness of a multifaceted community action program in a range of rural towns across New South Wales. It is envisaged that the partnership project will closely involve the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and local Aboriginal communities.

See also Recommendations 1.12 and 8.56.

Government Response

This Recommendation is dealt with in Part D on liquor accords.

Government Response

The Police Commissioner has requested the Assistant Commissioner who is the corporate spokesperson for Aboriginal issues to convene a police working group on Policing and Prevention of Substance Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. The working group will include the corporate spokespersons for drugs and alcohol, and has been tasked with providing an implementation timetable for action on the priority recommendations identified by the Summit on Alcohol Abuse. It will report with action plans to the Commissioner by the end of 2004.

These action plans will be implemented over the following three years and implementation will be jointly monitored by the Commissioner and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

Government Response

Three Indigenous communities will be specifically supported to develop an action plan for addressing alcohol issues by the Premier’s Department Community Drug and Alcohol Program. In developing and implementing these action plans, the program will build on the capacity and enhance the leadership skills of Elders and Indigenous workers in managing alcohol and drug issues in their community (Recs. 1.5 and 1.12).

This approach will be discussed at the Talking About Grog follow-up forum to be convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs later in 2004. The forum will also provide Elders and leaders with the opportunity to come together and discuss program and service roll-out in their communities.

The Aboriginal Youth Leadership project which is being developed by The Office of Children and Young People as part of the Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy will also aim to raise aim to link the role of Aboriginal Elders as positive role models for young Aboriginal youth people.

Government Response

Enhancement of the Aboriginal Community Liaison Program

At present there are 56 Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs) employed in New South Wales. NSW Police will commission an independent review of the ACLO program and identify the most appropriate locations for ACLO placement, including an assessment of the gender balance of ACLOs in relation to community need.

Police are also using the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme to train Aboriginal people for the Aboriginal Community Liaison (ACLO) role for when future vacancies occur. A number of CDEP trainees have joined NSW Police as police officers and administrative officers as a result of this work experience.

Competency based training for Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers

As part of the review of the ACLO program, NSW Police will examine what support structures and training programs are available to ACLOs and increase support services for these positions.

NSW Police provides Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training to all new recruits as part of their foundation training at Goulburn Police College and ongoing for existing police officers. NSW Police will further develop the Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training at the Goulburn Police College as a competency based model to be implemented across all ranks within the NSW Police Service.

Number of Aboriginal police officers in the NSW Police

The NSW Police Aboriginal Employment Strategy has been revised and strengthened as the Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2003-2005 to identify further employment and career development options for Aboriginal people. Koori specific recruitment days are held regularly, using promotional materials targeted specifically to the Aboriginal community. The strategy will provide a basis for the Working Group, under the Assistant Commissioner who is the corporate spokesperson for Aboriginal issues, to advance Recommendations 8.44, 8.46, 8.47, and 10.9.

Support for Aboriginal police during recruitment and training

The Police Commissioner has requested the Assistant Commissioner who is the corporate spokesperson for Aboriginal issues to convene a Police Working Group on Policing and Prevention of Substance Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. The Working Group will provide a timetable for action on the priority recommendations on recruitment and training identified by Recommendation 8.44 of the Summit to the Commissioner.

The action plans on recruitment and training of Aboriginal police and ACLOs will be implemented over the following three years. Implementation will be jointly monitored by the Commissioner and the Director-General, Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

NSW Police established the Aboriginal Employees Network Support Network in 1982 for Aboriginal police officers, ACLOs and support staff. The Network was reviewed in 2002 and new policies and procedures established to provide better support to employees. NSW Police employ an Aboriginal Recruitment Officer, and an Aboriginal Employment Coordinator who supports the Network as well as providing advice on the Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Government Response

Key programs and initiatives are being continued and assessed in line with evidence based policy approaches:

Indent program for young people: To assist young people to access activities and services, the Government launched the Indent Strategy in October 2001 in response to the Drug Summit. The Indent Strategy provides grants to young people to promote and produce safe drug and alcohol free entertainment for their peers, particularly in rural and regional communities in New South Wales. The Ministry for the Arts, with the Office of Children and Young People, is developing a new Indent Strategy. The program will be independently evaluated prior to further expansion.

The Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy has funded many youth projects in priority locations. Many of these programs have targeted areas with high Aboriginal populations. Implementation of the current program is continuing and evaluation of the program outcomes will be undertaken.

Youth in Sport (YIS) program: This program administered by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation gives at-risk young people a chance to develop self esteem and skills. It provides sport and recreation programs conducted by the Department and by Police and Community Youth Clubs (PCYCs), especially in rural and remote New South Wales. Projects that address alcohol and drug issues through sport and recreation in rural and remote New South Wales will be given particular priority in future project funding.

Government Response

The Government’s response to the Drug Summit specifically targeted rural and regional communities.

Similarly, alcohol programs supporting families and alcohol treatment services will be implemented in regional and remote areas of New South Wales. The Government’s emphasis will be on improving services for people living in regional and remote communities.

Family support services are being enhanced by:

§          Appointment of 100 new caseworkers across the State during 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 to increase Department of Community Services out-of-home care services for general foster care services, intensive case management and intensive foster care. Employment of these caseworkers will aim to reflect the demographics of the areas in which they are situated. The new Aboriginal Employment Unit in the Department of Community Services will help to increase the number of Aboriginal caseworkers.
§          Development of new service models to better meet the needs of children and young people in general foster care; with complex and high support needs; and from Indigenous families and communities, some of which will be based in remote areas.
§          Appointment of additional Community Program Officers in Western, Northern and Southern Regions to work with new Aboriginal Out-of-Home care service providers, and enhance support for existing Aboriginal organisations for additional foster care places for Aboriginal children and young people. These will be Aboriginal identified positions where possible.
§          Establishment of a new intensive family support service at Bourke aimed at improving parenting practices (including managing alcohol abuse) and reducing rates of children referred to the Department of Community Services.

§          An Aboriginal Family Violence Program in Dubbo which focuses on rehabilitating perpetrators of violence. The program takes an integrated approach to family related violence by working closely with services for victims of family related violence, children and the community, and provides a model which could be used in future program developments.

Health drug and alcohol and treatment services are being enhanced by:

§          Implementation and evaluation of the Drug and Alcohol Training Scheme Projects, which comprises four distinct projects, one of which targets rural frontline workers and aims to increase recognition of drug and alcohol problems in clients presenting at population specific services and either assist directly, or provide appropriate referrals.
§          Implementation of the Family and Carers Training Project that will provide training for family support service staff and related organisations in every Area Health Service in New South Wales. The training will enable these staff to provide appropriate information and referral to families who have a member with a drug related problem. A worker tool kit has been developed and a take-away resource for family members. A companion Aboriginal Family and Carers Training Project is currently being developed.
§          Ongoing implementation of the Grog Project in the Far West Area Health Service. This project is funded by the National Mental Health Reform Incentive Project and the NSW Drug Summit and operates in Menindee and Brewarrina. It aims to:
§       develop the capacity of service providers and communities to respond more effectively to alcohol related problems
§       support communities to develop strategies and take action
§       support the development of effective structures in the community.
§          Continued funding of Area Health Services and non-government organisations which provide a full range of detoxification services to manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These occur in an inpatient and outpatient setting, with or without the assistance of supportive pharmacotherapies. A range of models is currently used for providing detoxification services including general hospital beds, particularly in rural areas where no alternatives exist.
§          Service planning that will document state-wide demographic data in relation to drug and alcohol harm, service configuration across the State, as well as quantify need for specific population groups. Where appropriate, NSW Health will adjust the distribution of services to ensure that all residents of New South Wales have equity of access in proportion to the needs of the population. NSW Health will identify priorities for the provision of services to priority population groups, including people in rural and isolated areas, and substance using parents and their children.
§          Rehabilitation services that deal with alcohol rehabilitation from a cultural perspective are imperative for the Aboriginal community as Indigenous people are reluctant to access mainstream services. A review of Aboriginal drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities will be undertaken to assess where current needs are not being met, and to consider where and how Aboriginal rehabilitation services could be established to best meet the needs of Indigenous communities within New South Wales.

Government response

Key initiatives to promote Aboriginal owned and managed community programs which strengthen Aboriginal families and reduce sexual assault are underway and include:

§          The NSW Aboriginal Family Health Strategy which was released in 1993 and aims to reduce family violence and sexual assault in Aboriginal communities. The NSW Aboriginal Health Branch will be asked to provide a progress report on action arising from the strategy and identify further priority action areas.
§          The Yareka project established by the Department of Community Services to provide prevention and early intervention services, child protection services Intensive Family Support Services, out of home care, and post intervention services.
§          Under the framework of the Yareka Project the Department of Community Services funds Intensive Family Support Services for Aboriginal families in crisis. The services are staffed by Aboriginal people, and are overseen by an Aboriginal Advisory Committee. They aim to prevent unnecessary placement of children in substitute care. They help parents to create a safe environment for children, and re-unify children with their parents/caregivers if a child is removed. Two services are currently funded in Casino (run by the local Malanee Bugilmah community) and Redfern (run by the local Yallamundi community). Two new services will be established in Wollongong and Bourke in 2004.
§          The Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Program - a pilot program undertaken in Dubbo in early 2003. The program targeted Aboriginal male perpetrators of family violence within a culturally appropriate framework. The program was developed by the Dubbo Aboriginal community in partnership with the Attorney General’s Department and the Department of Corrective Services Probation and Parole Service, as well as other community agencies. The partners involved in the development of the program are presently giving consideration to extending and implementing the program.
§          The Rekindling the Spirit Program which operates from the Lismore Probation and Parole Office and established in 1998. It targets Aboriginal men in the Lismore region who are clients of the Probation and Parole Service or the Department of Community Services. It addresses the needs of Aboriginal families, and issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse or neglect. It aims to assist Aboriginal men in changing their behaviour, and in reducing violence in the Aboriginal community. The Department of Corrective Services is currently evaluating the potential to extend the program in Lismore (to include a parallel program targeting Aboriginal women and children) and to replicate it in Tabulum.
§          The Murdi Paaki trial in the Murdi Paaki ATSIC region in Far West New South Wales which aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people. It is a partnership between the NSW and Commonwealth Governments and the Murdi Paaki Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Regional Council and began in August 2003.
§          A new Aboriginal Controlled Multi-Purpose Centre (Mt Druitt) to be established later in 2004 and managed by the local Mii Mali community. It is funded under the Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy, and will provide a space where the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community can meet and access community, health care and referral advice about drug and alcohol services.

See also Recommendations 8.63-8.67 below.

Government Response

See Part J – Managing intoxicated persons in public places.

Government Response

A number of Government initiatives that respond to Summit recommendations will increase liquor licensing activities in rural and remote areas through:

§          enhanced licensed venue inspection programs by police and Gaming and Racing special inspectors (Rec. 8.6) to increase compliance with the liquor laws
§          enhanced contact with venue operators through the Linking Project being adopted as standard police practice across New South Wales (Rec. 8.73)
§          more recruitment of Aboriginal police, and more police trained in the management of alcohol related crime (Rec. 8.44)
§          more efficient policing tools to enforce the licensing laws in rural and remote areas (Recs. 8.58 and 8.59)
§          training and education for all police around liquor law enforcement will enable more police to effectively participate in licensing activities through better law enforcement and initiatives such as liquor accords (Recs. 1.4 and 8.71, and Part D of this Section)
§          police action to ensure that each Local Area Command has at least one dedicated licensing officer, which will also increase police capacity to undertake licensing activities in rural and remote areas (Rec. 8.76)
§          integration of police and Department of Gaming and Racing enforcement data which will increase the information available to police and regulatory officials and assist them to better undertake licensing activities (Rec. 8.74).

Government Response

This three month trial was previously conducted in Wilcannia and involved hoteliers serving finger food from mid-morning on the Wednesday to the Friday evening of the social security fortnight payday. NSW Police provided half the cost of the food from the patrol budget, and coordinated the food supply from local businesses. The trial was based on evidence that eating while drinking reduces the level of intoxication, and Police advice was that this trial reduced alcohol related violence and alcohol related crime.

Sections 21 and 23AA of the Liquor Act 1982 currently require hotels and nightclubs to ensure a light meal is available to patrons. Sections 21B and 51A of the Act apply similar food requirements to Community Liquor Licences and surf club social functions. Restaurants are required to provide meals under section 23, and other venues may have court imposed conditions requiring food to be available. Making food available can help reduce excessive alcohol consumption and ameliorate the problems associated with unsafe drinking.

Rather than resurrect the Wilcannia program, it is proposed to encourage hotels, registered clubs, nightclubs, and other licensed premises to ensure healthy food is available on the premises. The requirement to ensure food is available will be updated to apply to all venues with on premises consumption. New guidelines on compliance with the law and licence conditions requiring food will be issued by the Department of Gaming and Racing in 2005. The new model liquor accord will contain improved guidance to licensees and local communities about providing food to patrons while they are drinking. Particular attention will be given to compliance with the Liquor Act 1982 and the new guidelines in Western New South Wales.

Government Response

See Recommendations 9.27 and 9.28.

Government Response

See the Section on liquor accords above which responds to this recommendation.

Government Response

The Government is developing a partnership project with the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation in association with senior researchers from the Medical schools at the Universities of Newcastle, New South Wales, Flinders and Queensland. The partnership project will test the effectiveness of a multifaceted community action program in about 14 rural towns across New South Wales. The NSW/AERF project provides a more appropriate vehicle by which to implement the recommendation.

The Getting it Together project, on the other hand, was established to help young people who are particularly at risk of drug and alcohol abuse, but not likely to seek help from regular services. It funds specialist case managers and brokerage assistance to ensure that this particularly vulnerable group of young people can access services such as accommodation, welfare support, health and legal assistance, education and training. As it is an applied service delivery model, it is not the most appropriate vehicle to undertake research and development. It may however be an appropriate service model to consider in some of the rural towns covered by the overall partnership project.

See also Recommendation 8.42.

Government Response

The Public Employment Office (PEO) in the Premier's Department is examining the feasibility of establishing regional cadetships and traineeships pathways in Government agencies in regional and remote areas. PEO is also consulting with the Department of Education and Training.

Through a number of mechanisms the Government is looking at means of developing pathways to employment at a regional level for Aboriginal community members. Across the State, Government agencies are working in partnerships with the local business sector and Aboriginal community organisations to increase job opportunities for Aboriginal people. Initiatives vary from region to region, for example, NSW Government employers in the North Coast have already established a Regional Aboriginal Employment Coordination project.

The Premier's Department is also implementing an election commitment to employ 100 Aboriginal cadets in the NSW Public Sector.

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G. PUBLIC SAFETY

Government Response

Current liquor laws include venue closure provisions. The Commissioner of Police or the Director of Liquor and Gaming may apply to an “authorised justice” for an order to close a licensed venue for up to 72 hours (s.104A, Liquor Act 1982, and s.17AAB, Registered Clubs Act 1976).

A closure order of up to 72 hours can issue where a serious breach of the liquor laws has occurred or is likely to occur on the premises, and closure is necessary to prevent or reduce a “significant threat or risk to the public interest” (eg. public health or safety, substantial damage to property, significant threat to the environment, or a risk of serious offences).

Under s.105 of the Liquor Act 1982, a Magistrate may also direct a licensee to close a licensed venue where there is, or is likely to be, a breach of the peace in the neighbourhood of the venue. Any person may make an application to a magistrate.

The Summit recommendations go beyond the above provisions by providing police and others with limited powers to directly close venues for up to twelve hours without reference to a justice.

But the Government notes submissions from ClubsNSW, the NSW Liquor Stores Association, and the Australian Hotels Association (NSW) concerns about providing closure powers to police and “authorised persons”. The industry has called for closure powers to continue to be limited to authorised justices only, particularly in metropolitan areas.

The Government appreciates the industry’s concerns, as venue closure can have a significant impact on business operations. However, the Government also appreciates the police view that where there are serious venue problems that require immediate attention there may be a case for immediate closure.

Accordingly, the Minister for Gaming and Racing will bring forward appropriate legislative proposals for consideration by the Government following consultation with the NSW Liquor Industry Consultative Council and NSW Police.

Government Response

These Recommendations are dealt with in Part J.

Government Response

Research released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released in 2001 showed that a considerable number of alcohol related crimes and a significant amount of anti-social behaviour occurs near licensed venues.

The Taskforce on Alcohol Related Offences, Penalties and Law Enforcement will consider appropriate amendments to the Summary Offences Act 1988 which could allow police to issue directions to move on people who have left licensed premises, and remain in the vicinity, or who have sought and been denied entry to a licensed premise and whose alcohol related behaviour is potentially harmful. Under the current law, failure to comply with a move on direction incurs a $220 penalty.

The Government will consider recommendations from the taskforce for possible inclusion in a legislative package which may also incorporate a legislative framework to trial new powers to seize alcohol taken out of an Alcohol Free Zone (Rec. 8.19), and new approaches to dealing with alcohol offences by minors (Rec. 8.22).

The Minister for Gaming and Racing will also consider an amendment to s.103 of the Liquor Act 1982 to require persons refused entry to or asked to leave a licensed venue to also leave the vicinity of that venue. See also Recommendation 9.26.

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H. DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

See also Recommendations 9.30-9.34.

Government Response

Currently the NSW Government funds a range of crisis and medium term refuge accommodation, for men, women and children in a range of settings including, metropolitan, rural and remote areas.

The Government provides two types of women and children’s crisis accommodation services through emergency accommodation at women’s refuges funded through the Department of Community Services, and through the Department of Housing’s Emergency Temporary Accommodation for victims of domestic violence where refuge accommodation is inappropriate or unavailable.

Women’s refuges

Women’s refuges are funded through the current Commonwealth/State Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) agreement which concludes in mid 2005 and is administered by the Department of Community Services. Refuge accommodation is available in metropolitan, rural and remote areas.

In 2003/2004 there were 133 services and projects operating across New South Wales costing about $36 million per annum. This included 77 women’s refuges, 44 of which are in rural areas.

Approximately 27 refuges cater for Aboriginal women and ten of these refuges are primarily for Indigenous women (five of these were in the Orana Far West region). Three are specifically for Aboriginal women – in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore. There are approximately 25 with Aboriginal workers.

Funding is also provided for a NSW Women’s Refuge Resource Centre as a central information and access point, and for the NSW Women’s Refuge Resource and Working Party.

Key initiatives will be undertaken over the next four years by the Department of Community Services (DoCS) in consultation with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

The Department will investigate more flexible case management outreach service models for women and children affected by domestic violence in rural and remote New South Wales. Development of possible new approaches, especially in dealing with the problems of alcohol and violence, and particularly with issues in Aboriginal communities, will be considered by a small Working Group to be established by the Department. It is hoped that trials of new approaches in rural New South Wales could commence in 2006/2007.

The Working Party will also give special consideration to the needs of Aboriginal women and children affected by domestic violence and the current provision of services in priority areas.

Expansion of the number of refuges or services related to emergency domestic violence will in large part be dependent on a renegotiated Commonwealth/State SAAP agreement which it is hoped will be in place by 1 July 2005. In the renegotiated SAAP agreement with the Commonwealth, agreement will be sought to give priority to the provision of Aboriginal crisis accommodation and support in priority locations. The Department of Community Services also proposes to investigate the viability of promoting options for increased access to emergency accommodation under SAAP to male perpetrators of domestic violence so that women and children can stay in the family home.

NSW Government and emergency housing assistance

For victims of domestic violence unable to find refuge accommodation, the Department of Housing has a range of accommodation, provided on the basis of eligibility (financial and asset based). These include:

§          Priority Housing Accommodation for eligible persons for public housing accommodation. In public housing the Department of Housing has arrangements where if the tenancy of the home is in the name of the perpetrator, and the victim does not wish to relocate because of a need to remain close to established networks and services, the perpetrator may be offered alternative public housing accommodation elsewhere.
§          Rentstart Assistance for eligible persons to be able to rent in the private market.
§          Priority Public Housing Transfer if the victim/perpetrator is in Department of Housing accommodation.
§          Temporary Accommodation Assistance for persons not eligible for public housing for a period of up to four weeks in low cost motels and hotels.
§          Temporary Public Housing which can be provided for persons who are not eligible for a period of up to three months.

A number of these emergency accommodation services are in rural locations, and there are some targeted housing services (for example for Aboriginal women, Muslim women, and women with disabilities).

Government Response

The NSW Government provides a range of 24 hour welfare and support services that can respond to the needs of family and domestic violence victims after police have been called to intervene.

24 hour Domestic Violence Line

The NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) Domestic Violence Line provides a state-wide freecall 24 hour, seven day a week, information and support service to advise and support victims of violence. Currently, the Domestic Violence Line employs twelve full-time case and phone workers. Police often refer victims to the Domestic Violence Line following a domestic or family violence situation or provide victims with a Domestic Violence Line Information Card for victims that do not wish to immediately attend a referral service.

The Domestic Violence Line has cultural diversity protocols and Aboriginal staff in place to ensure Aboriginal callers are responded to in a culturally sensitive manner.

Domestic Violence Proactive Support System

The NSW Police Domestic Violence Proactive Support System (DVPASS) started in 2003. This is a partnership between Local Area Commands (LACs) and local welfare support agencies, and allows police to provide victims specialised support. The program aims to provide victims of domestic violence with professional support and information to break the cycle of violence. It is currently used by 35 Local Area Commands, and is an optional project model for LACs seeking to strengthen victim referral processes. Other Commands use alternative models of victim referral.

NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women

In 2002/2003 the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women (VAW) trialled two partnership projects which integrated criminal and welfare responses to domestic violence in Tamworth and Dubbo. The Tamworth Project involved a civilian welfare officer being based at the Tamworth police station who contacted victims of domestic violence after the police had attended the incident. The Dubbo Project engaged local welfare agency workers to attend domestic violence incidents with police. As part of the trials both projects developed interagency polices and protocols. Consideration will be given to similar trials in the future.

Sexual Assault Services

Fifty Sexual Assault Services are located in New South Wales Public Hospitals and Community Health Centres. Such services are available throughout New South Wales in regional, metropolitan and rural areas. The services provide a 24 hour crisis response to all recent victims of sexual assault. NSW Police are required to refer all victims over the age of 16 years to Sexual Assault Services. This ensures victims’ needs are addressed including information about proceeding with a report to police, court processes, victims’ compensation, ongoing counselling, and medical care.

In addition to these crisis services the NSW Government supports a range of national and state 24 hour emergency telephone services that target victims of violence. Contact details about the range of 24 hour crisis services are available on the NSW Office for Women’s website at www.women.nsw.gov.au/referral/refhome2.html (see crisis numbers).

Intensive case management services for high needs communities

As a broader community approach, the Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy targets high needs’ communities with a range of specific strategies including intensive case management projects which often work outside of normal business hours. Key projects which address family violence have been funded in Bellambi, Redfern, Mt Druitt, Canterbury/ Bankstown, Green Valley/Miller, Taree and Wyong.

Government Response

The principles of the AJAC Holistic Community Justice model are being closely examined by the Government. AJAC will develop a proposed model for dealing with Aboriginal Family Violence based on the holistic community justice paper for the Government’s consideration.

Key initiatives in this context which are expected to have an impact in reducing family violence in Aboriginal communities will include:

§          expansion of the Aboriginal Community Justice Groups program
§          expansion of the Aboriginal Circle Sentencing program
§          expansion of the Aboriginal Community Patrols program
§          development of an Aboriginal Youth Leadership project
§          action on the NSW Aboriginal Family Health Strategy
§          a follow-up forum to the Talking About Grog meeting held prior to the Summit to be convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs during 2004. 

See also Recommendations 9.23-9.29.

Government Response

The Government has a wide range of early intervention and prevention programs to assist vulnerable families and children. These programs have a long term violence reduction impact by reinforcing connections between vulnerable families and children to friends, education and the community, while building capacity, resilience and self esteem. The programs include Primary Connect, the Better Futures program, the Families First program, the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, and the Aboriginal Family Health Strategy.

The NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women is coordinated by the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit in the Attorney General’s Department. It is jointly funded by the Attorney General’s Department, Department of Community Services, NSW Police, Department of Housing, NSW Health, the Department of Education and Training, and the Office for Women.

Over the next four years the unit will be asked to:

§          focus on prevention and early intervention strategies for dealing with family violence, including the role of alcohol abuse
§          support and promote specific family violence prevention initiatives by each partner agency
§          give priority to initiatives in Aboriginal communities and in rural and remote communities
§          provide support through the Regional Violence Prevention Specialist Program.

The Government is committed to trial a new integrated Domestic Violence Court Intervention Model in two courts, including one rural or regional area. See also Recommendation 9.34.

Government Response

The majority of domestic violence programs address the consequences of violence for women and families. It is recognised, however, that men are generally responsible for family related violence and new programs are being examined and developed to counter this problem.

These include:

§          The recent pilot perpetrator program at Penrith Court for men convicted of domestic violence offences which is now being evaluated. The sixteen week intensive program was managed by the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit and operated by the Penrith Probation and Parole Office and the Penrith Women’s Health Centre. The outcomes of this pilot will be incorporated in the development of any future programs.
§          The Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program (VOTP) at Long Bay Correctional Centre which provides integrated treatment for men with patterns of violent behaviour over a nine month period. The program incorporates an assessment of the role of alcohol and drug use in the offender’s violent behaviour and delivers a treatment program for each offender.
§          A program for Pacific Islander community based offenders in Mt Druitt to address their violent behaviour within a framework of cultural knowledge.
§          The Ancestral Trek program on the South Coast, targeting Aboriginal men, developed by Aboriginal communities in partnership with the Probation and Parole Service. The program addresses issues of drug and alcohol abuse, family violence, anger management and parenting skills within a framework of cultural knowledge.
§          A proposed investigation by the Department of Community Services into the viability of extending emergency accommodation services under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) to male perpetrators of domestic violence, so women and children are able to stay in the family home.

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