In 2024, the Mount Druitt Family Violence Service, which is considered the gold standard of service delivery and provides ‘first contact’ services for victims of family and domestic violence, was so understaffed it was going to close its doors.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our PSA members and Delegates who raised the alarm and lobbied the government to take immediate steps to address the staff shortage, this vital domestic violence service was saved from closure.

Shame!

Recently the PSA met with Minister Jodie Harrison, where she delivered a damning blow with the decision to defund the Mount Druitt Family Violence Service. The justification? Under the commissioning framework for Domestic and Family Violence programs, with current contracts concluding in June 2026, the NSW Government had announced its intention to transition the Mount Druitt Family Violence Service from a government-led model to delivery by non-government organisations effective 1 July 2026.

Win!

General Secretary Stewart Little took immediate action and within hours this disastrous decision was reversed.

Mount Druitt Family Violence Services will now be exempt from the commissioning process and funding decisions that threatened the services’ future. The doors will remain open and continue to be delivered by our dedicated DCJ Caseworker members.

This victory is a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing up for vulnerable members of our society. Domestic violence services are not optional: they are lifesaving. And when they’re under threat, we fight back.

The Mount Druitt Family Violence Service has helped victims escaping violence for 19 years. Staff here have saved hundreds and hundreds of lives. Thank you to every member who spoke out and stood shoulder-to-shoulder on this issue.

Together, we made a difference.