The availability of shelters and counselling services to victims of domestic violence was raised as a serious concern by those who made submissions to the Portfolio and Select Committee on Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities. It was noted that the DVA placed no corresponding obligations on health or social service providers to make such services available. This gap weakens referral systems and contributes to fragmented responses to domestic violence by various service providers. In terms of section 19(c) of the DVA, the Minister may make regulations on "any other matter s/he deems necessary or expedient to be prescribed in order to achieve the objects of this Act." It was therefore recommended that certain regulations governing the availability of shelter and counselling services might be necessary.