4 November 2025

• ABC reports Commissioner recommends watchdog to steer government efforts against domestic, family and sexual violence.
• SBS reports 'Unimaginable tragedy': Inquiry launched into suicide related to domestic and sexual violence.
• Guardian reports Australia’s first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners passed in Victoria.
• The Saturday Paper reports The 10-year plan for ending violence against women and children risks missing key targets after advocates rejected a proposed framework overhaul by Nous. (Pay wall)
• ABC reports NSW program helps mothers restore dignity, rebuild lives outside of prison.
• Financial Review reports Uber drivers sacked for ‘sexual misconduct’ reinstated with pay.

National

• Fair Work Commission held substantive hearings on its gender undervaluation review of the SCHADS Award from 27 October. The COSS Network counsel made oral arguments based on their 3 submissions already filed with the Commission and shared with members. To keep up with what is happening with the Gender-based undervaluation - priority awards review, visit the case on the Fairwork site here.
   
• The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP  tabled the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission’s Yearly Report to Parliament on 30 October and announced that she will be establishing a new Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Council.The Minister also announced the launch of an inquiry into domestic, family and sexual violence related suicide.
• Announcement of streamlining of programs administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and reduce reporting requirements for community service organisations supporting children and families.

International

• Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and People With Disability Australia (PWDA) have made a joint submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in response to its call for input on draft guidelines for addressing multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. 
• Chayn Acquires Garbo Assets to Scale Gender-Based Violence Support.
• France 24 reports French MPs vote to define rape as any non-consensual sexual act.

• Aid Cuts Halt One-Third of Women's Anti-Violence Programs.

Research

• New research into Victim-survivors' reflections on best practice in restorative justice for domestic, family and sexual violence.
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre launch a new report Seeking help in their own right: Young victim-survivors’ experiences of family violence crisis responses in Victoria.
• Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights release the Safer Systems, Safer Families research report. This research explores the experiences, outcomes, and systemic challenges faced by Muslim communities in Victoria when engaging with the child protection (CP) system, including issues related to child removal.
• Engender Equality release new report Systems abuse and family violence in Tasmania: Evidence and recommendations for action, August 2025.

State Based

• Former former Deputy Police Commissioner Bob Gee appointed Interim QLD Victims Commissioner, Youth Justice and Victim Support Minister Laura Gerber appointed .
• The Victorian Government has appointed eight new members to the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council (VSAC).

Events

• Big hART and ANROWS together with the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Violence Against Women & Children host a special documentary screening of 'It Starts With Us' and panel discussion exploring family violence prevention, and young people contributing to change. Mon, 24 Nov, 12pm ACT

Consultation & Research

• UN CSW 70 Australian Youth Statement survey is open to all young people under the age of 35.

• Depart of Social Services is calling for feedback on proposed changes to reforms to supports and services for families, children, and young people. Consultations are now open, until 5 December 2025.There are a few ways you can have your say – participate in a townhall, respond to the Discussion Paper or answer a quick survey.

• Safer Families Centre of Research Excellence is seeking input from women aged 50 and over who have ever felt afraid, unsafe, controlled or isolated in a recent or current relationship.

Training and development

• Wesnet is offering technology safety training for SADFV professionals. Follow the link for dates and training descriptions.
• Safe and Equal is offering online professional development designed specifically for new and emerging leaders who want to excel in primary prevention leadership roles. The Fast Track intensive leadership program (prevention) will be delivered from 29 January to 16 April 2026. This is the last delivery in their current funding period. Applications close on Friday 28 November 2025.
• UWA, Curtin University, and UTS is offering free practitioner training in Paid Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Leave: Putting the Law into Practice .Date: 27 November - from 9 am to 12 pm. Location: Online, via Teams,

Jobs

• Embolden Alliance is hiring a Principal Policy & Project Officer and Engagement & Operations Officer.
   

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