Coroners (Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board) Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill creates an independent Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board to examine why people are dying from domestic and family violence in Queensland and recommend changes to prevent future deaths. It amends the Coroners Act 2003 to set up the Board's membership, functions, powers, and reporting requirements, implementing a key recommendation of the Not Now, Not Ever report.

Who it affects

Anyone affected by domestic and family violence benefits from better systemic review and prevention. Government departments, police, and support services may need to provide information to the Board and respond to its recommendations.

Key changes

• Creates an independent Board to review domestic and family violence deaths at a systemic level, chaired by the State Coroner or Deputy State Coroner
• Requires Board membership to include at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and reflect Queensland's diversity
• Gives the Board legal power to demand information from government departments, police, and support services, with fines up to 100 penalty units for non-compliance
• Requires an annual report to be tabled in Parliament on deaths reviewed and recommendations made
• Makes unauthorised disclosure of confidential information by Board members an offence with up to 200 penalty units