Chalmers Points to 'Monetised Misogyny' as Factor Fuelling Domestic Violence

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pointed to what he described as "monetised misogyny" online as one of several factors fuelling domestic violence in Australia, while also addressing questions about a possible national royal commission into violence against women and children.

Speaking to the ABC, Chalmers said the government had chosen to increase resourcing for child, family and domestic violence services rather than commit to a royal commission at this stage. He said officials were trying to address multiple sources of the problem, including security gaps in the housing system and the role of monetised misogyny circulating online.

"We do acknowledge that all of this violence is obviously entirely unacceptable. It's horrific in every way," Chalmers said, adding that increased resourcing reflected the government's commitment to tackling the issue, while acknowledging more needed to be done.

Separately, in the same day's political coverage, Senator Andrew Bragg was reported to be preparing a proposal that would allow Australians to use their superannuation savings to help secure home mortgages, a policy idea that would touch on the long-running debate in Australia over housing affordability and the use of retirement savings for other financial purposes.

Both issues were raised as part of a broader day of political news in Australia, with further developments on each expected to be addressed as debate continues among lawmakers.