Webinar: Systems Abuse Audit

Government agencies share work on addressing systems abuse

On 12 June 2026, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin hosted a webinar bringing together leaders from across the Australian Government to discuss efforts to prevent and respond to the misuse of public systems as a tool of coercion, control and harm.

Commissioner Cronin was joined by:

• Megan Leahy from the Office for Women,
• Lauren Power from the Department of Social Services (also representing Services Australia),
• Robert Thomson from the Australian Taxation Office, and
• Jordan George from Treasury.

The webinar shared the findings of the Systems Abuse Audit and provided updates on initiatives to strengthen safeguards and reduce opportunities for people who use violence to exploit public systems. Speakers discussed the importance of a coordinated whole-of-government response, the power of listening to people who have experienced abuse in shaping system design, the application of Safety by Design principles, and the challenge of ensuring systems remain both accessible and safe.  

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission recognises the significant harm that can occur when public systems are manipulated to facilitate abuse. Discussions reflected the growing national focus on systems abuse, and fostered a shared understanding of how systems can better support the safety and wellbeing of people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. 

Transcript