The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Social Services

The Hon Ged Kearney MP
Assistant Minister for Social Services
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

The Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP
Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence

The Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is investing more than $10 million over four years to improve access to crisis accommodation for victim-survivors across Victoria.

Four specialist providers have been selected to expand and enhance their supports for women and children escaping violence.

For women & children, having immediate access to safe accommodation can be the difference between remaining in danger and beginning the journey to recovery.

This investment will expand proven family violence services, helping more victim-survivors access tailored, wraparound support and secure the stable housing they need to rebuild their lives.

Following a competitive, open process, funding has been awarded to:

• Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand – to enhance its Bridget House model in Melbourne's Bayside Peninsula region, providing a safe alternative to motel accommodation for culturally, linguistically, and faith diverse women and children.
• Refuge Victoria – to deliver Looking Ahead, a housing recovery and support program helping victim-survivors with complex needs.
• Kara Family Violence Service – to expand housing support in Melbourne's Inner East, helping victim-survivors leave crisis accommodation and secure safe, longer-term housing through tailored housing advice, advocacy, and support.
• Haven Home Safe – to support its Exit Pathways Program across Western Melbourne, Central Highlands, and Barwon, supporting women and children affected by family violence to access and sustain safe and affordable housing.

Together, these expanded services will help more women & children access safety and specialist support when they need it most, while creating stronger pathways to recovery, independence and long-term housing stability.

This funding is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $89.7 million investment in Victoria through a renewed funding agreement and is part of our governments more than $4.4 billion investment into tackling Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence across Australia.

As at 2 November 2026.