Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill strengthens Queensland's domestic violence laws in response to the 'Not Now, Not Ever' taskforce report. It changes how courts handle competing protection order applications, makes courts actively consider ordering perpetrators out of the family home, gives victims a stronger voice in decisions, and clearly authorises police to use body-worn cameras on duty.

Who it affects

People experiencing domestic and family violence get more protection and more say in court decisions. Respondents to protection orders, Queensland Police, and Magistrates Courts will operate under new rules.

Key changes

• When both people apply for protection orders against each other, courts must hear the applications together and identify who is most in need of protection
• Courts making a domestic violence order must consider whether to exclude the respondent from the aggrieved's usual home, taking the aggrieved's wishes into account
• Adds a new principle that victims' views and wishes should be sought before decisions are made under the Act
• Victims and police can now appeal a court's refusal to grant a temporary protection order
• Confirms it is lawful for Queensland Police officers to use body-worn cameras on duty, including where recordings are inadvertent or incidental