Police will be able to issue on-the-spot 12-month Protection Directions under new legislation being tabled in Queensland Parliament this week.
State Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the new laws would allow police to provide immediate long-term protection to victim-survivors and reduce trauma through exposure to judicial processes.
Minister Camm said the Directions would instruct the respondent to not commit domestic violence against the aggrieved or a named person for a period of one year or face a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment.
She said it may also include a cool-down, ouster, return or no contact conditions.
“The measure will be subject to several safeguards, to complement the existing domestic and family violence framework and does not replace standard investigative processes.”
Minister Camm said Police Protection Directions issued to female respondents were subject to the Gender Centred Review.
“Domestic and family violence has no place in our society and this reform is about giving victim survivors immediate protection and support,” she said.
Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation co-founders Sue and Lloyd Clarke said the proposed laws offered meaningful hope in turning the tables on perpetrators coercive control.
“We’re so relieved to see police being emboldened to act meaningfully against perpetrators of family and domestic violence,” Mr Clarke said.
