The Queensland Government is facing a wave of criticism following revelations that funding for domestic and family violence (DFV) prevention has been slashed by nearly $40 million in the latest state budget.

Budget papers show that the government has allocated $340.7 million toward DFV prevention for the 2026-27 financial year. This is a significant drop from the $379.2 million allocated in the previous 2025-26 budget, of which only $356.5 million was ultimately spent.

Government Defends 'Time-Limited' Funding Structure

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Minister Amanda Camm defended the figures, arguing that the reduction does not represent a cut to core services. Instead, she explained that the decreased allocation is due to the expiration of "time-limited" funding earmarked for specific recommendations from the state's women's safety and justice taskforce.

"That funding and those actions were not frontline," Minister Camm stated, adding that the taskforce's recommendations have now been integrated into the state’s broader DFV strategy.

Camm highlighted the government’s legislative achievements, including the passage of coercive control laws. "We came to office, and we delivered upon the coercive control legislation. It is now law," she said. She also noted ongoing work on safety initiatives such as "hope hubs," recovery centres, and electronic monitoring trials for offenders.

Police Minister Dan Purdie echoed her sentiments, assuring the public that frontline domestic violence services would not experience any drop in resources. He redirected blame toward the opposition, stating the temporary programs were established under the previous Labor administration.

"In fact, we are throwing everything into it," Minister Purdie said. "It's pretty disingenuous... to now be demanding how we're going on their homework for temporary programmes."

Opposition and Advocates Sound the Alarm

The state opposition has strongly condemned the budget reduction, calling the decision dangerous and out of touch with the community's needs.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles described the funding drop as "cruelly cut" and demanded the government immediately reverse its decision.

Shadow Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman labeled the move "indefensible," raising concerns over transparency and the progress of the safety taskforce's 277 recommendations, which were finalized at the end of 2024.

"I cannot believe it's 2026 and this government, rather than prioritising supporting women and children escaping violence, are cutting funding," Fentiman said. "We have no idea whether or not any of those recommendations have been implemented... because this government has failed to table a report in the parliament."

Sector experts have also expressed deep concern over the financial rollback. Professor Patrick O’Leary, Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and a former taskforce member, warned that any reduction in funding could stall critical progress.

“It feels that this current funding shortfall is going to really hit the aspirations that we have for eliminating this scourge on our community hard,” Professor O’Leary said, emphasizing that Queensland has historically been a key player in driving the national plan to eliminate domestic violence.

“It would be really disappointing for us to lose that momentum and bring about the change that's already occurring. But it does require adequate resourcing and innovation to bring about that,” he added.