Investing in Integrity, Human Rights and Safety

The Albanese Government is building a better future for Australia by delivering the important reforms the Australian people voted for.

After a decade of disappointment we are rebuilding trust in government and ensuring Australians have greater access to legal services, are kept safe and have greater confidence in the integrity of our institutions.

Rebuilding integrity in government

The Budget contains $262.6 million over four years for the establishment and ongoing operation of the Government’s National Anti-Corruption Commission. This funding will ensure the Commission has the resources to properly consider referrals and allegations, conduct timely investigations and undertake corruption prevention and education activities.

Work will also be undertaken to scope the establishment of a federal judicial commission, another of our election commitments.

Supporting human rights

This Budget contains a boost to the Australian Human Rights Commission totalling $49.8 million.

$31.8 million of additional funding will be provided to sustain the ongoing, essential work of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Additional funding of $10.5 million will be allocated to the AHRC to implement Respect@Work recommendations including:

• $5.8 million to educate employers about the forthcoming positive duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment and assess their compliance once it is introduced,
• $2.6 million to facilitate a disclosure process for historical incidents of sexual harassment to support victim-survivors and identify improvements to systems and processes,
• $2.1 million to ensure the Commission is the central point of contact for information on workplace rights and responsibilities and provides a coordinated referral service.

A further $7.5 million will be provided to the Commission to develop a national anti-racism strategy to tackle racism and promote racial equality in Australia.

The Attorney-General’s Department will also progress the establishment of a federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner as a vital first step to implementing our election commitments to tackle modern slavery.

Supporting community safety

The Government is investing in a suite of initiatives to support the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, including:

• $87.9 million to extend and expand the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Lighthouse Project pilot and to provide culturally responsive support for First Nations Australians. This includes additional funding of $24.2 million for legal aid commissions to meet increased demand for representation services,
• $52.4 million to maintain protection against cross-examination by family violence perpetrators in family law proceedings,
• $10.5 million to implement recommendations from the Respect@Work Report,
• $8.4 million to pilot specialised and trauma-informed legal services for victim-survivors of sexual assault,
• $4.1 million to enhance law enforcement responses to domestic, family and sexual violence through the development and delivery of a national training package,
• $1.2 million to support the roll-out of Court Network volunteers operating at the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

The Albanese Government is also delivering on its promise to support Community Legal Centres assisting flood and bushfire affected communities in New South Wales and Queensland with $12 million of additional support.

The Australian Federal Police will continue to support Pacific community safety. The Government will provide $45.7 million in funding for Pacific Security and Engagement Initiatives, including AFP deployment in Honiara through the Solomon Islands’ International Assistance Force.

These tailored, targeted measures will provide essential funding and services for key institutions and services and will benefit all Australians.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.