Increased support for temporary visa holders fleeing family violence

Temporary visa holders fleeing violent relationships are now eligible for the same level of support from the federal government as Australian citizens and permanent residents. From July 3, financial payments for temporary visa holders will be nearly doubled. Listen to this podcast for more details.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth looks on during a doorstop at the Australian Red Cross in Melbourne, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / DIEGO FEDELE/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• The federal government has expanded a program to provide financial assistance to temporary visa holders
• The expansion will increase the financial assistance available to temporary visa holders experiencing family and domestic violence from $3,000 to $5,000, bringing their payments in line with those given to permanent residents.
• The government has committed $4.4 million over two years for this increase, in addition to the $38.2 million funding to extend a pilot program supporting temporary visa holders experiencing family and domestic violence until January 2025

The federal government has expanded a program first launched in 2021 in an effort to ease financial insecurity for temporary visa holders leaving a violent relationship. One in six Australian women experience family and domestic violence, and among migrant and refugee women it's one in three.

 The expansion of the program will see an increase in the financial assistance available to temporary visa holders experiencing family and domestic violence from the current $3,000 to $5.000. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth says this is a significant step, as it will bring payments for temporary visa holders in line with those given to permanent residents.

The federal government has committed $4.4 million over two years for the increase.

The funding is in addition to the $38.2 million committed to extend a pilot program introduced in April 2021 to support temporary visa holders experiencing family and domestic violence.

 The pilot, which has been extended to January 2025, aims to provide temporary visa holders with financial assistance packages for goods and services and access to legal advice for migration and family law.

 Director of Australian programs at Australian Red Cross Vicki Mau [[Moore]] says this pilot program has supported thousands of women escaping domestic violence.

If you or someone you need needs support, counselling assistance is available from 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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