News
13 June, 2025
DV laws welcomed
The Crisafulli Government has this month finalized landmark reforms to strengthen responses to domestic and family violence (DFV) and ensure perpetrators face accountability.
From 26 May 2025, coercive control became a standalone criminal offence in Queensland, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Known as “Hannah’s Law” in memory of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were tragically murdered in 2020, the law targets ongoing patterns of emotional, psychological, financial, or technological abuse that often precede physical violence.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington described the criminalisation as long overdue, acknowledging the courage of victims’ families who spoke out despite their pain. She noted a 218% rise in DFV incidents over the past decade, with Queensland Police attending an incident every three minutes. She emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting survivors and reversing these trends.
On 27 May, an independent DFV advisory panel was established to guide further reforms. This panel includes experts from policing, legal, academic, and support sectors, and will meet quarterly starting with its inaugural session in Townsville on 26 May. Its role is to evaluate existing policies like police protection directions, GPS monitoring of high-risk offenders, and video-recorded evidence for survivors, advising on practical implementation.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm highlighted the panel’s importance in embedding survivor-centred perspectives into policy and ensuring systems work for all Queenslanders.
Locally, Tony Latter, president of the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) in Moreton Bay, welcomed the new laws and advisory panel, calling the criminalisation of coercive control a clear message that all forms of abuse are unacceptable. He praised the inclusion of lived-experience voices but stressed that legislation alone isn’t enough. Latter urged ongoing investment in frontline and specialist services, education on respectful relationships, early intervention for perpetrators, and robust survivor support pathways.
He also called for the government to ensure regional and remote communities benefit equally, pointing out the challenges survivors face in accessing timely counselling or legal aid outside metropolitan areas. Latter emphasized bridging these gaps to truly keep all Queenslanders safe.
