❓ Mr Leary asks about support services for respondents to Violence Restraining Orders in regional WA. The Attorney General acknowledges limited services, highlights existing legal aid and shuttle conferencing in Bunbury, and states the government will monitor the need for further expansion but has not assessed service gaps.

I refer to the Attorney General’s correspondence to me dated 28 August 2025 (Ref: 80-22195) regarding concerns relating to the interim Family Violence Restraining Order process, in which the Attorney General acknowledged that while programs such as the Restore legal service exist, there may be fewer options available in regional Western Australia for respondents to restraining orders, and ask:(a) What legal, accommodation, counselling or support services are currently available specifically for respondents to Violence Restraining Orders or Family Violence Restraining Orders in regional Western Australia;(b) For each service identified in (a), please provide:(i) the organisation delivering the service;(ii) the locations or regions serviced; and; and(iii) the type of support provided;(c) Are there any programs or referral pathways specifically designed to assist respondents who are removed from their home as a result of an interim restraining order in regional Western Australia;(d) If no such programs exist in regional Western Australia, what plans, if any, does the Government have to develop or expand services for respondents in regional areas; and; and(e) Has the Government undertaken any assessment of service gaps for respondents to restraining orders in regional Western Australia and, if so, will the findings be tabled?

(a – b) As with other members of the community, respondents to restraining orders can access legal services, such Legal Aid WA and community legal centres. Legal services for Family Violence Restraining Order respondents (as well as applicants) are also available through registrar-facilitated shuttle conferencing. Originally commenced as a pilot program in metropolitan locations, shuttle conferencing expanded to Bunbury Magistrates Court in November 2023. Legal Aid and South-West Community Legal Centre represent parties in the Bunbury shuttle conferencing program. Any party in a restraining order matter may seek independent legal advice and/or retain private representation at any stage in the process. Duty lawyers are available for Shuttle Conferencing matters, even if a party has advised that they have retained private representation, in the event the private lawyer doesn’t attend. (c) Nil, under the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA), a court considering whether to make an order and the terms of the order must have regard to the accommodation needs of the parties (including the respondent) and any hardship that may result to the respondent if the order is made. (d)  The Cook Labor Government will monitor the need for further expansion of this program. (e) No.