Trigger warning: this article deals with the topic of domestic violence and may be distressing for some readers.
It’s happened: The shores of time have eroded another weekend. Although you’re probably already knee-deep into the bureaucracy of email catchups and thinking about how far it is until Friday again, take a moment to brush up on what is happening in Australia today. Here are Monday’s biggest headlines:
A Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children is Coming
In some vital news, Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 to 2032 is being released today. This scheme is currently being pushed by the Federal Government’s Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, and Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.
“Violence against women and children is not inevitable,” said the aforementioned report.
“By addressing the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that drive this gendered violence, we can end it in one generation.”
This national plan will try to:
- Promote gender equality
- Combat other forms of discrimination
- Change Australia’s attitude towards violence
- Establish effective early intervention measures
- Allow all women and children to access support
- Tailor support to specific cultures
- Create person-centred services
- Create better coordination across government systems
There’ll be two five-year plans. These plans will include specific commitments and investments that our governments will need to make.
However, while this news and report is much needed, the government’s standalone plan for dealing with violence against Indigenous women hasn’t been created yet. Moreover, there’s no date yet for when such a report will be published.
“In the longer term, a standalone First Nations National Plan will be developed to address the unacceptably high rates of violence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children experience,” said the government’s plan.
“This violence happens alongside the multiple, intersecting and layered forms of discrimination and disadvantage affecting the safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.”
Jim Chalmers Is Trying to Manage Australia’s Budget Expectations
Our Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, isn’t stoked with the economic situation of the planet. So much so that he’s announced there’ll be some last-minute downgrades to his first federal budget.
Chalmers declared as much after talking with the G20 finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund last week in Washington, America.
“The global economy is treading an increasingly perilous path and downside risks loom large – this was a clear message from meetings with my counterparts in Washington DC,” he said.
“The budget will confirm the stark deterioration in the outlook for global growth and in several major economies, with some at risk of falling into recession.”
In March, it was expected that the economy of China would grow by 4.75% by the end of 2022. However, China is now only expected to grow up to 3% by the end of 2022.
Meanwhile, America was originally expected to grow by 3.5% by the end of this year. This figure has been slashed to 1.75%.
“A weaker global economy with higher inflation and heightened risks makes it even more important we deliver a responsible budget here at home, which is exactly what we will do next week,” said Chalmers.
Related: Will Labor Back Down on Stage Three Tax Cuts?
Related: Labor’s First Budget Is Coming — Will It Improve Your Family’s Life?
Heck Yes: A Massive Network Battery Is Being Created in NSW
To end things on a positive note, NSW’s old Lake Munmorah Power Station is on the way to being transformed into the Waratah Super Battery. This battery will be able to absorb excess power from solar panels and other forms of renewable energy.
“The Waratah Super Battery will be the biggest network battery anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, providing at least 700MW of standby network capacity to the grid,” said the NSW’s Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean.
“The battery will ensure electricity consumers in Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong have access to more energy from existing generators while new transmission connections are developed.”
The Latch encourages anyone who is struggling and needs support to call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Both of these services provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also talk to someone from 1800RESPECT via online chat. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.