Less than two months out from the New South Wales state election, both major parties are promising to remove barriers for victim-survivors of domestic violence.
The Liberal-Nationals government has committed to removing the eligibility criteria for victim-survivors applying for a Rentstart Bond Loan.
Its already established initiative was put in place to cover the bond of a new, private rental with an interest-free loan.
If re-elected, the state government would also provide access to both the First Home Buyer Choice and First Home Buyer Assistance schemes.
The changes would first need to be legislated, however, Treasurer Matt Kean insisted it would make a big difference when it was.
"Victim-survivors will be able to access stamp duty exemptions and concessions, the same way first home buyers can, even if they have previously owned property with a former partner," he said.
Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward has told the ABC it would bring victim-survivors into the first home buyer group.
"The concessions a victim-survivor could receive would be First Home Buyer choice, which means first home buyers purchasing properties for up to $1.5 million can choose to pay an annual property tax instead of transfer duty," she said.
"For properties under $800,000, the scheme provides a full exemption or partial concession from stamp duty."
Ms Ward said that people would be able to apply through Service NSW or through the Department of Communities and Justice.
"We know that access to safe and stable housing is really key to helping someone leave an abusive relationship and to rebuild their lives."
Labor has committed to establishing a new, specialist multicultural domestic and family violence centre in south-west Sydney if it is elected.
Through a partnership with Settlement Services International (SSI), the centre would increase accessibility to services and safety for migrant and refugee women.
Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison has told the ABC that initiative could help thousands of women.
"We know that people who are refugees, migrants, people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds don't always have the same experience of domestic violence," Ms Harrison said.
"So, it's important that we aim services and support to target those needs."
She said that specialised services was a key ask from a Women's Safety Summit held in 2021.
"We know that there are higher levels of family and domestic violence in western and south-western Sydney.
"We also know that up to 80 per cent of women of CALD backgrounds don't call police when they experience family violence, they really need specialised services to give them support."
SSI acting chief executive Yamamah Agha said nuanced responses would achieve sustainable results.
"All communities in Australia experience domestic and family violence, but this is often exacerbated for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, due to issues such as language barriers, visa status and the inconsistency in access to interpreters," she said.
"[Domestic and family violence] services need specialist skills to detect and respond to these dynamics in CALD communities and to facilitate pathways to tailored support."
