Albury’s federal member of parliament has called on the Victorian Government to put more money into local front line domestic violence services.

Farrer MP Sussan Ley says the Albury-Wodonga Women’s Centre for Health and Wellbeing helps women from both sides of the border, but only one state is pulling its weight.

“In 2022-23, the centre welcomed and assisted 449 women: 254 from NSW and 195 from Victoria.

“That’s more than one woman every day battling domestic & family violence – and that’s just from our region and only the women or girls we know about.

“Last year Victoria provided only $54,000 to this centre, an amount unchanged since 2010! That’s out of a $117million spent last year in their 2023/24 Vic Budget

“I was staggered to learn of Victoria’s small contribution when nearly half of the women they see are from south of the Murray. Compare that to NSW, which provides the Albury Women’s Centre with $780,000 p.a.”

Ahead of today’s Victorian Budget, Ms Ley says Premier Jacinta Allan must get more money out the door as soon as possible.

“The centre urgently needs at least an extra $300,000 from Victoria this year to continue to properly assist all the women who come to them. Ms Allan says she understands the need to look after women at risk – well c’mon premier, time to step up to the plate.”

Albury’s Women’s Centre for Health and Wellbeing is a not-for-profit organisation, and the only women’s only cross-border service which supports women impacted by domestic and family violence or sexual assault.