South West Omitted from $14.8M FDV Refuge Expansion

SouthWest Times 4 December 2025

Summary
The State Government has announced a $14.8 million boost to expand family and domestic violence (FDV) refuge accommodation in regional WA—excluding the South West. Despite overwhelming demand and multiple calls for support, no new refuges have been funded in the region, prompting criticism from local MPs and stakeholders.

Key Points

• The funding is part of a $109.9 million FDV package under the “16 Days in WA” campaign.

• New accommodation will be established in Albany, Broome, and Midland—not the South West.

• Harbour (formerly South West Refuge) turned away 817 women and children in 2024–25 due to capacity issues.

• Don Punch MLA (Bunbury) defended the Cook Government’s overall FDV record but did not confirm lobbying for South West inclusion.

• Warren–Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts asked in Parliament for a refuge to be established in his electorate within 12 months, noting there are currently none.

• Premier Cook said further service expansions are ongoing and accused the opposition of previously closing refuges.

• Vasse MLA Libby Mettam highlighted that Busselton’s Tuart House refused 494 women and children this year.

• The Government says $14.4m from the wider FDV package will support South West services like counselling, DV assist, Waratah Support Service, and men’s behaviour change programs.