Katherine West Health Board backs greater urgency, more action to implement Coroner's domestic violence recommendations

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published February 16, 2026 at 2.25pm (AWST)

The Katherine West Health Board has welcomed the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory's report card assessing progress made against the Coroner's Inquest into the deaths of four Aboriginal women killed by their partners, and the 35 recommendations made to address domestic and family violence rates and deaths in the NT.

KWHB is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation providing clinical, preventative and emergency health services across the remote western region of Katherine in the Territory.

KWHB chief executive, Sinon Cooney, said AMSANT's review highlights the urgent need for stronger focus, investment and action from the NT government to fully deliver on Coroner Elisabeth Armitage's evidence-informed recommendations.

"KWHB has long-advocated for greater support and services for domestic and family violence victim-survivors, their families and communities in the Katherine West region," he said.

"Our staff support clients experiencing domestic violence, including those who present with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and in need of emergency care. Our communities and staff know only too well the gaps in services and support for victim-survivors seeking and needing help in remote communities."

Mr Cooney said AMSANT's assessment of progress made against the Coroner's recommendations "clearly identifies" where new funding had been allocated, but also where funding hadn't been committed, or where recommendations can't be fully achieved.

"Katherine West communities are calling for greater investment in counselling services, behavioural change programs, prevention related activities, domestic and family violence education and awareness programs, and support for people who use violence when they return to community after prison. These are critical areas of focus for KWHB," he said.

"The AMSANT report card shows that some of these areas will receive new funding under the NT Government's Domestic, Family Violence Strategy 2025-2028, which is heartening, because these areas haven't always been prioritised. But the report card also shows opportunities for the government to make sure the funding is effective and leads to real, sustainable, community-lead change."

Mr Cooney said the Katherine West Health Board looks forward to continued work with NT government, AMSANT and the domestic and family violence services and organisations in the Big Rivers region "to realise the Coroner's recommendations and address domestic and family violence rates and deaths".

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