Criminal Code (Defence of Dwellings and Other Premises—Castle Law) Amendment Bill 2026

Overview

This bill amends Queensland's Criminal Code to enshrine 'castle law' principles, giving homeowners and occupiers broader legal protection when using force against intruders. It extends the existing self-defence provision beyond dwellings to cover other premises such as vehicles, caravans and tents, and expands the circumstances in which potentially lethal force may lawfully be used. It was introduced as a private member's bill following the largest e-petition in Queensland history, with 113,380 signatures.

Who it affects

Homeowners, renters and occupiers of any premises gain clearer legal protection when defending against unlawful entry. People who unlawfully enter premises face the possibility of greater lawful force being used against them.

Key changes

• Expands the self-defence provision from 'dwellings' to all 'premises', including vehicles, caravans, tents and caves
• Allows potentially lethal force against intruders in aggravated circumstances — such as night-time entry, armed intruders, intruders acting in groups, or intruders who use or threaten violence
• Permits force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm where the occupier reasonably believes the intruder intends to commit an indictable offence or the force is necessary to prevent death or bodily harm
• Retains the requirement that force must be reasonably believed to be necessary to prevent unlawful entry or continued presence
• Covers people helping the owner or occupier, or acting under their direction, not just the occupier themselves