First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence say "critical questions" remain unanswered in the federal government's response to the Senate Inquiry on Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children.

On Wednesday, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Advocates (FNAAFV), the national peak body for the Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services sector, said the response lacks "clarity and commitment".

FNAAFV chief executive Kerry Staines said "while there is recognition of the systemic issues and a range of recommendations addressing these concerns, we are concerned by the number of recommendations marked as 'noted' or 'support in principle' as these classifications lack the clarity and commitment necessary to instil confidence in real and actionable progress".

"The 'noted' and 'support in principle' responses leave questions unanswered. How and when will these recommendations be implemented? What concrete steps will be taken to ensure systemic change?

"Without detailed plans and timelines, there is a risk that these responses may result in inaction, perpetuating the unacceptable rates of violence and systemic neglect faced by First Nations women and children," Ms Staines said.

The FNAAFV head noted that "the statistics are harrowing and cannot be ignored".

"According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) data, First Nations women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence and up to seven times more likely to be homicide victims than non-Indigenous women," Ms Staines said.

"These women and children are not just statistics—they are our mothers, daughters, and community members. Delayed or inadequate action further compounds the cycles of violence, victimisation, and trauma in our communities."

The Advocates urged the government to provide immediate clarity on the "noted" and "support in principle" actions, specifically: 1. Clear timelines for implementation of these recommendations; 2. Transparency in how these recommendations will be integrated into existing initiatives, such as the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children; and 3. A commitment to work directly with First Nations-led organisations to co-design and implement culturally safe solutions.

"Our communities cannot wait. The lives of First Nations women and children depend on decisive and coordinated action. It is not good enough to have a report that doesn't get backed and receive investment," Ms Staines said.

"The FVPLS (Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services) sector needs a sustainable funding mechanism in the early intervention and prevention space to provide ongoing support for First Nations people, including women and children, experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence specifically. This funding must prioritise service and program delivery by Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.

"The Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children report has laid bare the crisis of violence experienced by our First Nations women."

Ms Staines said the sector thanks "those who have shared their stories and for giving a voice to those who have lost theirs".

"This is a serious matter and we have consistently advocated that our communities have the solutions and must be empowered to realise these," she said.

On Monday, in response to the inquiry's findings, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the government has "carefully considered" the findings and recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children.

"We acknowledge the women and families who made submissions and appeared before the Committee and thank them for their bravery in coming forward," Senator McCarthy said.

"We also acknowledge the frontline services and organisations who appeared before the Committee.

"The Albanese Government is committed to working with First Nations people and organisations to address the horrific rates of family violence experienced by First Nations women and children."

Federal minister for social services Amanda Rishworth, said the government is "listening to, and working in partnership with, First Nations leaders to address the disproportionately high rates of violence against First Nations women and children".

"It is unacceptable and it must end," she said.

"Along with state and territory governments we want to end gender-based violence in one generation for all Australians.

"We've already begun work towards this, including through our first-ever First Nations National Plan. We also are looking at ways that we can ensure Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are receiving more support to do the work in communities to help address family and domestic violence."