Federal election: Albanese promises $20m domestic and family violence investment, says watch ‘Adolescence’

Australia has a long way to go if it is going to stamp out domestic and family violence in one generation, Anthony Albanese has conceded, as he urged people to watch a Netflix show he says is a “scary” but necessary insight into misogyny.

The Prime Minister on Monday toured a crisis housing centre in Gosford, in the bellwether Labor-held seat of Robertson, where he announced $20m to establish a new women’s and children’s trauma recovery centre to help women and children get transitional accommodation and support when they are in crisis - an announcement quickly matched by the Coalition.

So far this year, 24 women and five children have been killed by men, including a central coast teenager, Audrey Griffin, who was killed this month by a repeat domestic violence offender.

Mr Albanese said, “One death from violence against women is one too many, and this is just an enormous tragedy”.

Asked whether that meant his goal of ending gendered violence in one generation was impossible, Mr Albanese said the status quo “ isn’t working. That is the truth. We are not doing well enough as a society.”

He said a society-wide response and conversations were needed but did not go as far as to commit to restricting access to alcohol and gambling, which were two recommendations from a rapid review he commissioned last year.

He said tackling gendered violence is why the government legislated to put a ban on social media for under-16s – to stop them from being exposed to hate and misogyny at a young age.

“It isn’t working. That’s the truth. You know, we are not doing well enough as a society. This is a whole of society problem,” he said.

“One of the reasons why the social media ban is important is that young people, at a very young age, when they’re developing, are exposed to some pretty hateful stuff out there, the rise of misogyny. I don’t know if you’ve seen [the Netflix TV drama] Adolescence, I encourage anyone to have a look at it. It’s scary.

Mr Albanese was asked whether he, like UK PM Keir Starmer, will call for all young people to watch Adolescence.

“I would encourage schools to show it, absolutely,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese said early intervention and prevention were just as important as providing the infrastructure to support those trying to leave violence.

The central coast Service providers say the funding is desperately needed, given the current wait time for emergency accommodation in the region is 7-8 weeks.