In May 2008 the Government established an eleven-member national council which was tasked was to provide the Government with advice on the development of an evidence-based national plan of action to reduce violence against women and their children. The Council, with the support of the Government, conducted significant research to assess the existing evidence, the operation of legal systems and the economic cost of violence against women. In addition, the Council also consulted with more than 2,000 Australians – survivors of violence; perpetrators of violence; educators; service providers; people living in rural and remote areas; members of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities; women with disabilities; members of the judiciary; representatives of the State and Territory Governments; and, members of the public. The national plan describes the commitment and actions needed to guide all Australians, their governments and communities in reducing violence against women and their children, and contains the Council’s recommendations to be developed and agreed by COAG, with six key outcome areas are identified. This publication outlines the Federal Government’s response and commitment to the national plan, and the immediate actions it intends to undertake in implementation.