Domestic Violence charity Lokahi Foundation faces closure as it struggles to secure crucial funding, leaving 35 women and children in danger. No help has been received following our contact with several ministers, but Minister Amanda Rishworth is where the buck stops. Amanda has sent us the statement below.

If you wish to donate to Lokahi Foundation, you can CLICK HERE or go to https://lokahi.org.au/donate/.  

“Attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

The safety of women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence is a national priority for the Albanese Government. Family and domestic violence destroys lives, and one life lost is too many – it must end. Since I came to this portfolio I have prioritised ensuring we progress towards our shared goal to end violence against women and children in one generation. Overall, in just our first two Budgets, we have made record investment of $2.3 billion in women’s safety which is currently being delivered to services and supports. This is more than any other Government. Under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, agreed by all jurisdictions in 2022, state and territory governments are responsible for supporting the delivery of frontline family, domestic and sexual violence services that support response, recovery and healing. My department is working with this organisation in relation to their particular operational situation.”

UPDATE: The founder of the domestic violence charity Lokhai Foundation, Rachel Natoli, joins Chris to discuss the government’s funding cut, a conversation that left many teary-eyed. 

UPDATE: A Current Affair journalist, Lizzie Pearl, and Liberal Senator, Dave Sharma, both join Chris to discuss their efforts to help Lokahi Foundation. 

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