❓ Hon Michelle Boylan questions the Police Minister regarding the STEPS program, a program for high-risk fathers in the Peel region, focusing on referral numbers, its role in supporting FDVRTs, and whether WA Police has requested ongoing funding. The response indicates ongoing discussions about funding.

I refer to the STEPS program operating in the Peel region which engages more than 500 high risk fathers a year, whose pilot funding is due to expire in 2026, and I ask:(a) how many referrals have WA Police made to the STEPS program in:(i) 2023–24; and(ii) 2024–25;(b) what role does the program play in supporting Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams (FDVRTs);(c) has WA Police requested ongoing funding or continuation of the STEPS program; and(d) if yes to (c), on what date was that request made and to which agency?

(a) Referrals to STEPS are by the Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams (FDVRT). The FDVRT have referred the following numbers of individuals to STEPS: (i) 63 (program commenced on 1 June 2024). (ii) 611. (b) The STEPS program provides early intervention and a referral pathway for alleged perpetrators. (c-d) Discussions remain ongoing between the WA Government and the program operators.