The State Opposition has been accused of grossly misinforming the public about the Government's commitment to reducing family violence.
Family Minister Eric Ripper told State Parliament today that Mandurah MLA Roger Nicholls had given incorrect information to the media about the extent of the Government's funding commitment.
Mr Ripper said Mr Nicholls had under-estimated the amount allocated by the Government by a factor of more than eight, and had also wrongly claimed that $90,000 would be spent on promoting the new domestic violence legislation.
"This so-called promotion involves providing relevant information about the new legislation, and its implications, to police officers, magistrates and solicitors," the Minister said.
"Contrary to what Mr Nicholls told a number of media outlets, the Government has allocated an extra $250,000 to boost domestic violence counselling, as part of a full-year allocation of more than $1 million."
The Government currently subsidised a domestic violence counselling program based at Marriage Guidance WA, and this full year subsidy was to be increased by more than 60 per cent.
"As the Premier announced last week, this year the Government will be allocating $300,000 to non-Government community-based organisations, including an extra $250,000 for victims of domestic violence and their families," Mr Ripper said.
"Two hundred and thirty thousand dollars will be used to subsidise counselling programs run by non-Government counselling services, and $70,000 will be allocated to a pilot counselling service for children who have witnessed regular domestic violence, to improve their access to effective support and assistance."
Mr Ripper said the Government had demonstrated its strong commitment to minimising family violence and Mr Nicholls' mis-guided attempt to score political points did nothing to help.
