After a six-week delay, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced changes to the migration system.
Amid all the analysis and discussion it preceded, there was nothing to show an understanding that these changes need to have a safety net for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
The largest national study of migrant and refugee women found that one in three experienced domestic and family violence.
Migration policy as it is now provides a safety net for women on partner visas with a pathway to permanency — the family violence provisions.
Many women are in relationships with abusive partners and in many cases have children with perpetrators who do not hold a partner visa.
In some cases, perpetrators lie about visa status. Women are tricked into believing they hold partner visas, but enter the country on visitor visas.
Migrant women who experience violence in Australia are denied many forms of domestic and family violence-related support.
To date, there is limited commitment to addressing these issues in the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and their children.
In his National Press Club address, Burke announced some changes.
A change Burke has announced is an enforcement action on overstayers, with the threat of detention facilities to increase deterrence.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.