Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill strengthens Queensland's response to domestic and family violence by giving police the power to issue 12-month protection directions without going to court, piloting GPS ankle bracelet monitoring for high-risk perpetrators, and expanding video-recorded evidence to all Magistrates Courts statewide. It also improves oversight of providers delivering DFV intervention programs.
Who it affects
Victim-survivors of domestic violence will receive faster, longer-term protection from police. People accused of DFV face new restrictions including potential electronic monitoring, with safeguards including police and court review of protection directions.
Key changes
- Police can issue 12-month police protection directions (PPDs) to protect DFV victim-survivors without going to court, with conditions including no-contact and ouster orders
- Courts can order high-risk DFV perpetrators to wear GPS ankle bracelets under a 2-year pilot, with linked safety devices offered to victim-survivors
- Video-recorded evidence-in-chief for DFV cases expanded from three court locations to all Magistrates Courts statewide, reducing the trauma of giving evidence
- PPDs cannot be issued where children are the aggrieved or respondent, where weapons were used, or where there is a history of DFV orders between the parties - these cases must go to court
- Contravening a police protection direction carries a maximum penalty of 120 penalty units or 3 years imprisonment, the same as breaching a domestic violence order
- Both respondents and victim-survivors can seek review of a PPD through the Police Commissioner or independently through a Magistrates Court at any time
- A mandatory review of the PPD framework must occur 2 years after commencement
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Introduced30 Apr 2025View Hansard
▸2 procedural votes
Vote on whether a member could speak
The member was not allowed to speak.
A vote on whether a specific member should be allowed to continue speaking.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (32)
Noes (48)
Vote to end debate
Debate was ended and a vote was forced.
A procedural vote to end debate and force an immediate decision. Sometimes called a “gag motion”.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (53)
Noes (33)
▸Committee30 Apr 2025 – 28 Aug 2025View Hansard
Referred to Education, Arts and Communities Committee
5 members · Chair: Nigel Hutton
The Education, Arts and Communities Committee examined the bill over approximately seven weeks, receiving 75 submissions and holding public hearings in Mackay, Cairns, and Brisbane, as well as undertaking a study tour to Tasmania. The committee recommended the bill be passed, acknowledging broad support for strengthening protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. However, the committee made six additional recommendations addressing guidelines for police administering protection directions, safeguards against misidentification, expansion of protection order definitions, careful implementation of the electronic monitoring pilot, and co-design of police training with specialist DFV providers. Two statements of reservation were filed -- one by Labor members raising concerns about police efficiency, misidentification risks, and the adequacy of the committee process, and one by the Member for Hinchinbrook raising concerns about the absence of judicial oversight for police protection directions.
Key findings (5)
- Domestic and family violence incidents in Queensland increased by 218 per cent over the past decade, with police responding to DFV-related situations every three minutes
- Stakeholders raised significant concerns about the risk of misidentification of the person most in need of protection when police issue protection directions without judicial oversight
- The Queensland Law Society and other legal stakeholders questioned whether police protection directions would actually improve police efficiency given the complexity of exclusions and review processes
- The electronic monitoring pilot for high-risk perpetrators raised human rights concerns around freedom of movement, privacy, and liberty, as well as practical concerns about GPS coverage in regional and remote areas
- The expansion of video-recorded evidence-in-chief statewide was broadly supported in principle, but stakeholders raised concerns about the removal of the requirement for a trained police officer to take the statement
Recommendations (7)
- The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
- The committee recommends the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety work closely with the Queensland Police Service to develop guidelines to assist police officers in administering police protection directions with respect to the considerations police will have to consider under new section 100B(2).
- The committee recommends that the Minister considers further amendment to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 or to the Family Responsibilities Act 2009 to expand the definition of a 'protection order' to include the police protection directions proposed by the Bill.
- The committee encourages the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety to consider, as part of the statutory review proposed in the Bill, whether the proposed safeguards against misidentification have been effective.
- The committee supports a considered implementation of the electronic monitoring pilot program in Queensland, as proposed by the Bill, so that a fulsome and meaningful evaluation of the trial may be conducted at the end of the two-year pilot period.
- The committee recommends that, at the end of the electronic monitoring pilot period and the expiry of the two-year trial, the Minister consider setting out the details of any extending or permanent scheme in the primary legislation.
- The committee recommends that any training materials that relate to DFV and are developed by the Queensland Police Service, including VREC training and the proposed two-day mandatory course, be co-designed in tandem with domestic and family violence specialist providers; that these materials be regularly reviewed to ensure contemporary evidence-based and trauma-informed training; and that police officers are required to undertake regular refresher training.
▸Second Reading27 Aug 2025 – 28 Aug 2025View Hansard
That the bill be now read a second time
Vote on whether to advance the DFV Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill to Consideration in Detail. LNP voted in favour (50), ALP (30), Greens (1), KAP (3) and Independent (1) voted against. Resolved in the affirmative.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (50)
Noes (35)
▸39 members spoke21 support7 oppose11 mixed
Criticised the government's double standards on misogyny and violence against women, arguing the bill's approach was flawed.
“If the Premier is fair dinkum about holding certain standards and holding his ministers to account, he should be looking very deeply at his Minister for Education and the standard that he has set.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
As shadow minister, stated Labor supports most elements of the bill but does not support police protection directions (PPDs) in their current form, arguing they lack adequate safeguards and risk victim-survivor safety. Circulated opposition amendments to address concerns.
“The Queensland Labor opposition supports measures that address pressure on our frontline police. We want to ensure they can effectively respond to domestic and family violence. However, any new measures must prioritise, first and foremost, the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill as delivering long overdue reforms including police protection directions and GPS tracking of high-risk offenders.
“Under the previous government many victims were forced to wait hours, sometimes days, for help to arrive. This is simply unacceptable. The Crisafulli government is determined to change this.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Stated Labor approaches the bill in a spirit of bipartisanship and acknowledges some reforms could help if done properly, but raised serious concerns about PPDs and last-minute amendments regarding Forensic Science Queensland governance.
“There are reforms in this bill that, if done properly and with adequate safeguards, could help both victim-survivors and our hardworking frontline police. Equally, there are other elements that pose risks that cannot be ignored—risks that if mishandled could mean the difference between life or death.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Argued police protection directions as drafted are unsafe, citing strong opposition from QCOSS and the Women's Legal Service Queensland, and highlighting misidentification risks.
“PPDs, as drafted, are unsafe. QCOSS, the peak organisation for the sector, strongly opposes them.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the bill as necessary reform after witnessing the devastating effects of domestic violence in his community and as a former teacher, arguing that doing what has always been done will not address the problem.
“If we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got. There have been too many Queenslanders harmed by domestic and family violence.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Spoke in strong support of the bill, citing feedback from survivors in Redlands who welcomed the reforms including court-imposed monitoring and VREC expansion.
“This bill delivers balance: it provides immediate safeguards, equips police with stronger tools and ensures victims and families have a louder, stronger voice in the system.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Acknowledged the importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting frontline police but raised concerns about the PPD framework, arguing reforms must be evidence-based and backed by proper safeguards for victim-survivors.
“People experiencing domestic and family violence often turn to police first. For many it is a moment of fear, crisis and desperation.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Supported the opposition amendments and argued the bill missed the mark by prioritising workforce efficiency over victim safety, noting extensive stakeholder opposition.
“It should be alarming to all of us in this place that so many victim-survivors and their advocacy agencies have spoken against elements of this legislative reform.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Outlined serious concerns about police protection directions in their current form, arguing they risk the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors, while supporting measures that back frontline police.
“We will always support measures that back our hardworking frontline police, allowing them to respond better to domestic and family violence. However, we will not support reforms that risk the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill, arguing it was long overdue and would give police the tools needed to protect victims with PPDs, GPS trackers and 24/7 crisis support.
“This bill is long overdue, and I am sure that as Queenslanders hear what it is about they will wonder why, just like I have, those opposite never took these steps in the last decade.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Commended the minister for swiftly bringing forward the reform, supporting police protection directions and drawing on the committee's consultations including visits to Tasmania where similar initiatives have been implemented.
“I want to commend the minister for swiftly bringing forward this reform to the parliament so early on in the term of the new government.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Acknowledged the intent to combat DFV but raised serious concerns about PPDs giving police too much power without court oversight, potential for misuse in small communities, and inadvertent impacts on men.
“PPDs are much easier to slap on people under this legislation. That might do some good in some places—there is no question about that—but the interesting and challenging question is: how much damage will that inadvertently do?”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
As a committee member who heard evidence from frontline services, spoke firmly against police protection directions, arguing they could endanger victims by allowing police to issue protection orders without court oversight.
“That is why I rise today to speak clearly and firmly against the proposed introduction of police protection directions, PPDs.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Spoke passionately about the need to combat DFV, drawing on personal experiences as a White Ribbon ambassador, but expressed concern about aspects of the bill.
“This should be above politics. Domestic and family violence is an insidious disease which we all know is throughout our communities.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Stated the opposition supports most elements of the bill but does not support PPDs, expressing deep concerns about the risk to victim-survivors and arguing the measure bypasses proper court oversight.
“While we support most elements of the bill, we do not support the amendments relating to PPDs.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Drew on experience as former CEO of the Queensland Homicide Victims' Support Group to argue the bill's reforms must prioritise victim safety, challenging claims that Labor had done nothing over the past decade.
“We must never compromise safety in the name of expediency or efficiency.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Stated domestic violence has no place in Queensland but argued a full inquiry into DFV should have been conducted before changing legislation, expressing concern that the root causes of violence are not being addressed.
“I believe we have got it wrong in this state. We have not addressed the root causes of domestic violence.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Drew on 28 years of Queensland Police Service experience to speak in strong support of the bill, backing police protection directions and GPS monitoring.
“What you will not hear is a 'but'. I have listened to those opposite also praise the work of our men and women in blue, but too often it was followed by a 'but'. There is no 'but'.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the bill's amendments to provide victim-survivors with immediate protection, highlighting the 218 per cent increase in DFV calls over the past decade and his local collaboration with DV services.
“Domestic violence in all its forms is a blight on our society.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
As Minister for Women, spoke in support of the bill as putting women first through police protection directions providing immediate 12-month protection, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“In putting victims first, we are putting women first. The issuing of police protection directions provides immediate 12-month protection for Queensland women who need it.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the bill while acknowledging that domestic violence remains a stubborn problem despite increased awareness and resourcing, praising local support organisations in her electorate.
“Despite more awareness than ever, fewer taboos and record resourcing for support and education services, crisis help and more police attention than ever before, it remains a stubborn problem.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Drew on 20 years of police experience including as a senior DFV project officer to raise concerns about the bill, arguing the framing as 'for victims or against victims' was reductive.
“The idea that any of us here in this House do not have the thoughts, wishes and feelings of victims at the centre of why we are here—the idea that you are either for victims or against victims—is reductive and largely childish.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the opposition amendments and the bill's broader objectives while emphasising that laws must be informed by lived experience and grounded in evidence, prioritising victim-survivor safety.
“Laws play a critical role, but they must be informed by lived experience, grounded in evidence and always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
As a former police officer and DFV trainer, spoke emotionally in support, noting the Commissioner of Police had sought these changes for over four years under the previous government.
“For the last decade, there has not been cooperation between the Attorney-General's area and the police minister's area when it comes to domestic violence. They have been at loggerheads and have been stopping change.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill as putting victims first and holding perpetrators to account, highlighting the 218 per cent increase in DFV calls and the need for police to issue immediate protection orders.
“This bill is about putting victims first. It is about holding perpetrators to account. It is about restoring safety in the very place where people deserve to feel safest.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Supported the bill as prioritising victim safety and providing police with the tools to respond faster, citing support from Hannah Clarke's father Lloyd Clarke.
“This bill prioritises safety and puts victims rights ahead of perpetrators and it is a part of major domestic and family violence reform to provide victims with greater protection sooner.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Acknowledged both sides want a society free of DFV and expressed willingness to try new approaches like PPDs, while maintaining that the key question is ensuring adequate safeguards are in place.
“No-one in this House has the moral high ground to determine whether they are more for victims or less for victims or whatever. We all want to see a victimless society.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's commitment to restoring safety, emphasising the need for collaborative approaches to address the complex issue of DFV.
“At the very core of this legislation is an undisputed truth: every Queenslander deserves to feel safe in their own home and in their own community.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the bill as putting victims first and holding perpetrators to account, arguing that police protection directions, GPS monitoring pilots, and expanded recorded evidence provisions represent decisive action.
“For far too long, it was left to fester. Under Labor, victims were failed. They were left waiting for help.”— 2025-08-27View Hansard
Supported the bill as a good step in the right direction, particularly the new PPD framework enabling police to issue immediate long-term protection without court proceedings.
“I note that there is currently no framework in Queensland empowering police officers to administratively issue immediate long-term protection directions without filing an application for a proceeding before a court.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Shared the tragic story of Muzhda Habibi, a young woman killed by DFV in her community, and raised concerns about the bill's impact on culturally and linguistically diverse women.
“Muzhda Habibi was only 23, was a mother of two young children and had only been in Australia for a very short period of time.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the intent of combatting DFV but raised serious concerns about making police sole arbiters without court oversight, agreeing with the KAP committee member's statement of reservation.
“The bill makes the police the sole arbiters in domestic and family violence incidents. This raises serious and significant concerns about checks and balances as well as concerns over whether both victims and accused will always receive procedural fairness.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
As a former police officer in Mackay, spoke about DFV being the most pressing challenge, supporting the bill's reforms including PPDs and GPS monitoring.
“I have to, sadly, inform the House that the most dangerous place for a woman in Mackay is not in the safe night precinct, in a pub or in a club; a woman is in most danger when she is in a house or residence with a partner or previous partner.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Spoke in strong support, noting the committee's recommendation to pass the bill and criticising the opposition for arguing against progressing real action.
“I am certain that across every electorate elected members stood before their communities in solidarity with the mantra to build safer communities, yet here in this chamber those opposite continue to bring argument against progressing real action.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Argued the bill was required after a decade of Labor failure to address DFV, praising the government for swiftly developing the legislation within 10 months.
“In a world where a Labor government has declined for the last 10 years to step up and protect victims and their families, it has fallen to a responsible government to swiftly—within 10 months—consult, write, introduce, consult again and now finalise critical personal and safety focused legislation.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Rose in strong support, highlighting Townsville's high DFV call-for-service rates and the bill's reforms to put victims first and hold perpetrators to account.
“Domestic and family violence, DFV, operates in the shadows. It is not often spoken about or even acknowledged.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
Supported the bill's creation of police protection directions and other reforms to put safety back into homes across Queensland.
“Our homes should always be the place where we feel safe. It is where we should be able to relax, spend time with family and escape the pressures of the world outside, but for far too many Queenslanders their home has become the very opposite of safe.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
As minister introducing the bill, replied to the debate defending PPDs, electronic monitoring and VREC reforms, addressing concerns about misidentification and sharing her own family's experience of DFV.
“I will always back the Queensland Police Service for their hard work in protecting victim-survivors. The Crisafulli government will always stand up for victims.”— 2025-08-28View Hansard
▸In Detail28 Aug 2025View Hansard
Government amendments Nos 1-13, including adjustments to commencement date, requiring courts to be given copies of PPDs, electronic monitoring device evidence admissibility rules, PPD review and ending provisions, Family Responsibilities Commission notification requirements for PPDs, and amendments to the Forensic Science Queensland Act 2024 removing the director's independence provisions and allowing ministerial direction.
Opposition amendments Nos 1 and 2 requiring victim-survivor consent before a PPD could be issued and requiring police to provide information about available support services when issuing a PPD.
Opposition amendments Nos 3 and 4 requiring mandatory police review of all PPDs naming a female as respondent and a male as aggrieved, and requiring a specialist DFV service provider to advise on the appropriateness of the PPD during reviews.
That the amendment be agreed to
Vote on Minister Camm's amendment No. 1 to clause 2, adjusting the commencement date to exclude Part 4B (Forensic Science Queensland amendments) from commencing on assent. ALP opposed as they did not support the rushed Forensic Science Queensland amendments. LNP voted in favour.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (50)
Noes (31)
That the amendments be agreed to
Vote on ALP opposition amendments Nos 3 and 4 moved by Ms McMillan requiring mandatory police review of all PPDs naming a female as respondent and requiring specialist DFV service provider advice during reviews, to safeguard against misidentification. LNP opposed. Resolved in the negative.
The motion was defeated.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (32)
Noes (50)
That the amendment be agreed to
Vote on the government's amendment to pause the commencement of the Respect at Work and Other Matters Amendment Act 2024, indefinitely delaying workplace anti-harassment and anti-discrimination provisions. LNP and KAP voted in favour; ALP and Greens voted against.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (51)
Noes (32)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
The motion passed.