Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said it is "unAustralian" to disrespect women, in a stinging attack on the nation's shocking levels of domestic violence.
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Saying that gender inequality lies at the heart of violence against women, Mr Turnbull has called on parents, teachers and bosses to take part in a "big cultural shift" so that Australia becomes known as a country that respects women.
"Let me say this to you: disrespecting women does not always result in violence against women. But all violence against women begins with disrespecting women," Mr Turnbull said on Thursday.
Describing domestic violence levels as a "national disgrace," he announced about $100 million in federal government funding to tackle them.
But while welcoming the additional funds, community and advocacy groups were quick to criticise the package for not providing enough attention to critical areas such as crisis accommodation and community legal centres, which are vital to helping women escape violence.
The $100 million package, which was signed off by the new cabinet this week, includes funding to trial GPS trackers for perpetrators, special safe phones for victims and other measures — like CCTV cameras — to boost security of women at home.
There is also additional funding to address violence in Indigenous communities as well as for 1800 RESPECT and MensLine and a program which teaches school students about respectful relationships.
Domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty, who has advised on the reforms, was emotional on Thursday at the announcement.
"We finally are starting to hear from the leaders of our country that they are addressing this issue, that they recognise the responsibility they have to lead our society, our communities, by speaking the language we need to hear," the 2015 Australian of the Year said.
Minister for Women Michaelia Cash described the emphasis on respect for women as a "game changer".
But domestic violence campaigner Fair Agenda described the announcements as "a good start but they're not enough".
In a recent report, the group itemised more than $300 million worth of funding that is needed to plug immediate service gaps.
Fair Agenda's criticism was echoed by Homelessness Australia, which warned there was nothing new to boost crisis accommodation, which currently turns away 2800 women fleeing domestic violence a year.
"What about tonight?" chief executive Glenda Stevens said.
The National Association for Community Legal Centres said that with a third of their work taken up with domestic violence, Thursday's announcement fell short of what is needed on the ground.
"The funding announced today is expected to increase some capacity, but thousands of women still won't be able to access the legal assistance they need to escape abuse," spokeswoman Rosslyn Monro said.
Federal funding for community legal centres, where family violence victims often turn for help, is expected to fall from about $42 million to $30 million from 2017-18, according to budget papers.
One in six Australian women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner.
The Abbott government was due to make a major announcement on domestic violence at the end of the week that Tony Abbott was dumped from the leadership. It is understood the funding package announced on Thursday is similar to the one Mr Abbott was to announce.
With Jane Lee
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.
