The recommendations included a total ban on gambling ads and cutting off alcohol home delivery earlier in the evening, something states and territories committed to examining at an emergency national cabinet meeting in May 2024. The federal government didn’t take that advice on gambling, citing industry pushback and concerns about advertising revenue for media outlets. South Australia, the only state that committed to restricting alcohol delivery times, hasn’t yet followed through, with the state government citing technical and enforcement challenges. The gap between inquiry recommendations and meaningful action on the ground has become a recurring theme in the debate, with many questioning why successive governments have failed to prioritise women’s safety.
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The prime minister’s office has since clarified that while he does not support a royal commission at this time, he is open to other mechanisms to drive accountability, including a parliamentary joint committee and a national summit of experts and survivors. The government has also committed to additional funding for frontline services, including crisis accommodation and legal aid, recognising that immediate support is as critical as long-term reform. However, advocacy groups have described these measures as insufficient, arguing that the scale of the problem demands a fundamental rethinking of how society addresses gendered violence, including education, policing and judicial responses.
As the debate continues, the voices of survivors and their families remain central to the conversation. Many are calling for a national memorial day and a dedicated government ministry for women’s safety, proposals that are gaining traction across the political spectrum. The opposition has indicated it would consider supporting a royal commission if elected, adding political weight to the campaign. For now, the government is sticking to its position, but the pressure is mounting for a more robust response. The coming months will reveal whether the current momentum can translate into concrete policy changes that genuinely reduce violence and save lives.
