| The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) acknowledges and pays its respects to Kumarn Rabuntja, Kumanjayi Haywood, Miss Yunupiŋu, and Ngeygo Ragurrk. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve and seek justice. NTCOSS calls for urgent and decisive action in response to the findings released by NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage, which expose systemic failures in addressing domestic violence across the Territory. While welcoming the NT Government’s $180 million funding commitment, NTCOSS stresses that this is the bare minimum, and insufficient given inflation and the critical level of growing service demand. Specialist Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence (DFSV) services, including safehouses, refuges, and counselling services, many of which are NTCOSS members, are on the frontlines of what the coroner described as the “shocking horror” of domestic violence in the Territory. Without the skilled intervention of specialist workers in urban, regional, remote and very remote communities across the NT, the toll would be catastrophically higher. Key Recommendations: 1. Establishment of a DFSV Peak Body: As highlighted by the coroner, a well-funded peak body for specialist domestic violence services is essential. This organization would unify the sector, promote best practices, and ensure the sustainability of critical services. 2. Workforce Development: Address workforce shortages, particularly in remote and regional areas, by creating pathways for recruitment, retention, and ongoing training of skilled DFSV workers. 3. Sustainable Funding Models: Replace short-term funding cycles with long-term financial security for specialist services to enable consistent, high-quality support for victim-survivors. Fund the 10% uplift in frontline services and the deliverables contained in Action Plan 2 of the DFSV Framework. 4. Culturally Safe Services: Increase investment in culturally appropriate training and services, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and communities disproportionately affected by violence. 5. Training & Capacity Building: Equip all frontline workers with comprehensive, trauma-informed training to respond effectively to gender-based violence. The coroner’s recommendation for funding must be actioned immediately; including the 10% uplift for frontline services and the systematic implementation of evidence-based solutions found in Action plan 2 of the DFSV Framework and the DFSV-ICRO report. These identify critical investment gaps in prevention, trauma-informed care, healing, and integrated service delivery—proven approaches that yield measurable reductions in violence and better outcomes for victim-survivors. NTCOSS, alongside members such as Darwin Aboriginal & Islander Women’s Shelter, Dawn House, Ruby Gaea Centre Against Sexual Violence, YWCA Australia, Katherine Women’s Legal Service, and Top End Women’s Legal Service, emphasises the urgent need for targeted measures to address systemic challenges. Specialist domestic violence services are indispensable in providing safety, support, and advocacy for victim-survivors while addressing root causes of violence. With rising demand and limited resources, long-term investment is vital for creating a violence-free future for all Territorians. NTCOSS calls on governments to act now, turning evidence into action and immediately funding effective solutions. |
| “I hope these recommendations will be implemented by the Government. They need to listen to what needs to be done. There have been 8 more deaths since June and the situation is more urgent than ever.” Regina Bennett, DAIWS General Manager “Without sustainable funding and a strong, well-trained workforce, the capacity of specialist services to respond to the needs of survivors is severely compromised. Investing in these services is not just a moral imperative—it is essential for creating safer communities and reducing the long-term social and economic costs of violence.” Ana Aitcheson, Dawn House CEO “We fully support all the recommendations made by the NT Coroner and her call for urgent action. The $180 million funding commitment by the NT Government is welcomed but must be understood as the absolute minimum required—it does not account for inflation or the 10% uplift for frontline services recommended by the Coroner. The Northern Territory cannot meet this challenge alone and we need commonwealth support to bridge the gap. It’s a national issue and we need the nation to stand with us and provide the resources necessary to end the cycle of violence across the Territory.” Rachael Uebergang, YWCA Australia NT Regional Manager “As others have said before us, we cannot arrest our way out of this. The Territory tsunami of domestic and family violence and the killing of Aboriginal women is the responsibility of all of us. Community-led solutions are essential for long term change. Front line services must be fully funded with five-year agreements. First Responders and the DFSV sector must be well trained and fully staffed to meet the onslaught of demand for our services. The Darwin Centre Against Sexual Violence supports all recommendations of the Coroner’s Report.” Max Taylor, Ruby Gaea General Manager The Coroner’s findings make it clear that without investing in the skills and expertise of our workforce, we risk failing the people who need our help the most. Building capacity within the sector is not a luxury—it is a critical component of an effective, compassionate, and sustainable response to domestic violence.Siobhan Mackay, Katherine Women’s Legal Service CEO “The Coroner’s findings highlight the overwhelming impact of domestic violence on Aboriginal women, and it is clear that without culturally appropriate responses, we are failing them. This means investing in cultural competence across the entire workforce, and tailoring approaches that respect and uphold the cultural identities of those we serve. Culturally safe services are not optional—they are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and creating pathways to healing and empowerment.” Caitlin Weatherby-Fell, Top End Women’s Legal Service CEO “Without the skilled intervention of specialist workers in urban, regional, remote and very remote communities across the NT, the toll would be catastrophically higher. The rates and severity of violence experienced in the NT should be a National shame, but it’s Territory innovation and solutions that are needed to navigate the complexities and barriers for victim-survivors and users of violence to speak up and receive culturally safe help. The coroner’s recommendation of a 10% uplift for frontline services should be actioned as a matter of urgency.” Sally Sievers, NTCOSS CEO |
| Contact: Morgan Rickard 0491 811 233 media-sectorsupport@ntcoss.org.au |
