Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Outlined the bill's key provisions and acknowledged domestic violence as a blight on society. Supported the bill while noting the QPU's concerns about additional resourcing needed for police to implement the legislation effectively.

“This is one step towards addressing that problem and we will not be opposing the bill.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Introduced the bill as Attorney-General, outlining its implementation of the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce recommendations to combat coercive control, modernise stalking offences, reform court processes and update sexual offence terminology.

“This is an historic day for Queenslanders. It is an historic day for victim-survivors. When I tabled the first Hear her voice report I made a commitment to victim-survivors that the government heard them and was acting.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Spoke in support as Minister for Youth Affairs, emphasising that domestic violence is overwhelmingly a gendered violence and highlighting the bill's impact on young people who experience higher rates of violence.

“This bill is the first step towards criminalising that behaviour. It lays the foundation for important and essential changes that update and modernise our legislation and our response to domestic violence.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Announced the LNP would support the bill but strongly criticised the government's lack of evaluation and monitoring of DFV initiatives, citing the Queensland Audit Office report. Called for genuine resourcing and follow-through on implementation.

“As I said, the LNP will be supporting these amendments today, but we want to see a system that recognises the gendered nature of domestic violence and does not put all the burden on the victim but works to prevent and rehabilitate perpetrators and, in particular, provides early intervention—all leading to a safer Queensland.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised the government for being too slow and reactive, noting the LNP's longstanding advocacy including her private member's bill on strangulation laws and calls for on-the-spot domestic violence orders.

“I stand here today in support of this bill that has been coming for a very long time, since the Newman government initiated the Not now, not ever report.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as committee chair in support, outlining the committee's recommendations and emphasising the need for men to call out DFV behaviour.

“To not embrace the changes or recommendations in the Hear her voice report is to bury our heads in the sand. The harm that men have perpetrated, and continue to perpetrate, on women and children in our community cannot be underestimated.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Spoke about the impact of the Hannah Clarke murders on his local community at Camp Hill and praised the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation's work in educating the community about coercive control.

“For me, the great privilege is to vote in support of a bill like this that is changing something that is important in our community and is achieving an important outcome.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member but criticised the government for being too slow to act on recommendations, citing 446 days since the first Hear her voice report. Raised concerns about sexual offence terminology and unintended consequences.

“The LNP will always support legislation to protect Queenslanders—and that is the intent of this bill—but it is necessary to share some of the concerns raised by stakeholders.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill's general intent and announced his role as a Redlands Domestic Violence Awareness ambassador. Raised concerns about reproductive control as a form of coercive control, citing the case of Jaya Taki.

“Let us be crystal clear: domestic and family violence is a blight on our society and coercive control is not on.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke in support, focusing on the modernisation of the stalking offence to capture technology-facilitated abuse. Emphasised that domestic and family violence is a men's issue requiring all men to be part of the shift in thinking.

“Domestic and family violence should not ever be characterised as a women's issue. Be under no misapprehension, it is a men's issue and it always has been.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as laying foundations for criminalising coercive control, highlighting that the justice system had been letting victims down because coercive control was not well understood or given priority.

“When it was put to Hannah Clarke by police that she had enough to take out a domestic violence order against her ex-partner she told her mother, 'He never hit me, Mum.'”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as an important reform but raised concerns about inadequate funding for police and Legal Aid, the need for culturally relevant education campaigns, and the rushed committee timeframe.

“As one submitter stated, a lack of resources could see the intent of this bill fail, and that is not an option.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill while highlighting concerns from the Queensland Police Union about resourcing, noting the QPU estimated 500 extra police would be needed to service the new laws. Called for an advertising campaign to help people understand coercive control.

“The amendments brought forward in this bill as a result of the Hear her voice recommendations are a necessary early step to improve the justice system's response to domestic and family violence.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke in support as a committee member, focusing on the need to recognise coercive control patterns beyond physical violence. Defended the government's record of action in this space.

“We have to get better at recognising coercive control—the pattern of behaviours perpetrated against a person to create a climate of fear, isolation, intimidation and humiliation.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as laying vital groundwork for criminalising coercive control, welcoming changes to stalking offences, sexual offence terminology, and the inclusion of pattern of behaviour in the definition of domestic violence.

“Today's bill is actually a big step, a significant step, as we work towards making coercive control a criminal offence and ensure that all victims have full control of their lives, as it should be.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, reflecting on the journey since the 2014 Not now, not ever review. Raised concerns about broadened evidentiary requirements and the Queensland Police Union's estimate of 500 extra police needed.

“We support the bill and the process that has been ongoing for several years now.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing a personal story about his father confronting a domestic violence perpetrator in the 1970s. Praised the updating of sexual offence terminology and acknowledged local Gold Coast DV service leaders.

“It is so important that we start calling rape, bullying or intimidation exactly what it is. It is such an important aspect of this bill, and I am pleased that this legislation seeks to deal with that as an issue.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as Minister for Communities and Housing and as a personal survivor of coercive control, emphasising the bill's importance for First Nations women who are disproportionately affected and often misidentified as perpetrators.

“Your world becomes very small when you are the victim of coercive control. Every part of your life is under control, whether it is the 17 phone calls a day that you get, the asking where you are every minute, who you are talking to, what are you wearing—all of these things.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill, acknowledging two women murdered in her community. Highlighted how technology is used by perpetrators for surveillance and control, and welcomed amendments to the stalking offence and jury directions.

“This is an historic day for Queenslanders, it is an historic day for victim-survivors and I commend the bill to the House.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised the government for taking too long to act, listing Gold Coast DFV victims by name. Called for a standalone summary offence of domestic violence and for Tara's law to enable disclosure of previous offending.

“For those police, we must provide the tools, the legislative framework and then the training and education to ensure they can stop these monsters in their tracks.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former police officer, but criticised the government for slow implementation of nearly 400 recommendations. Raised concerns about police resourcing, estimating 1,300 extra officers needed for this bill and the commission of inquiry recommendations combined.

“Victims of domestic and family violence who live in rural areas deserve the same level of care, attention and response as those who live in city areas.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as a minister and former DFV minister, defending the government's record of investment exceeding $1.3 billion since 2015 and praising the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce.

“Not only because it is just so important to victims of coercive control and their loved ones, but also because this parliament—this government—has gone further than most other parliaments in the world to address the issue of coercive control.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Spoke as a former police officer, explaining how victims can be misidentified as perpetrators and welcoming the bill's provisions on pattern of behaviour, updated stalking offences, and changes to sexual offence terminology.

“No victim has to be agreeable; that is not the role of a victim. It is the role of police to investigate, find the facts and protect the person who is most in need of protection.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised the government for slow implementation and raised concerns about the over-representation of First Nations people in the DFV system and criminal justice system.

“The opposition supports actions to keep women and children safe. However, Queenslanders need more than announcements to see such meaningful change happen.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

The Greens supported the bill's measures but expressed scepticism that a standalone coercive control offence would fix the situation. Called for fully funded services, housing investment, and addressing root causes of patriarchal violence rather than relying on more policing.

“The Queensland Greens will be supporting this bill on the basis that it strengthens the offence of stalking to include electronic surveillance and coercive control; replaces archaic sexual offence terminology like 'carnal knowledge' and 'maintaining a sexual relationship with a child'.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as Police Minister in support, highlighting the QPS Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command's preparation for the reforms and the government's commitment of additional police personnel and $100 million reform package.

“Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, the wording of the offence 'unlawful stalking' will be broadened to include the terms 'intimidation, harassment or abuse'.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as a government commitment to prevent domestic violence, welcoming the modernisation of stalking offences and requirements for courts to have full criminal and DV history of respondents. Mentioned the 10-year anniversary of Shandee Blackburn's murder.

“All women and children deserve to be safe in their homes and on our streets. That is something we all agree on.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Confirmed KAP support for the bill but argued the legislation should not be viewed through a gendered lens, noting that male victims also need protection. Called for specifically trained DV police officers.

“From the outset I will say that the KAP will support the passing of this important legislation through the House.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised the government for slow implementation of recommendations and inadequate evaluation of DV programs. Highlighted DV Safe Phone initiative and called for stronger language in sexual offence terminology.

“When it comes to a sexual relationship with a child, it is abuse. There is no other word for such an unthinkable act committed by the worst of the worst.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke in support, focusing on the bill's modernisation of the legislative framework to capture technology-facilitated coercive control including doxxing, tracking and digital surveillance.

“Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that can create a climate of fear, isolation, intimidation and humiliation that robs the victim of their identity, independence and ability to seek help.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Shared a personal story of someone close to her who experienced coercive control including retaliatory DVO applications. Highlighted the incongruence between state DV courts and federal family law courts, and supported the bill's foundations for criminalising coercive control.

“More than this, we look forward to a society where women and children, particularly girls, live without fear and where they are able to prosper and achieve their full potential.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing a recent constituent case involving coercive control. Raised concerns about the need for proper evaluation of the reforms' effectiveness and adequate police resourcing.

“If we are going to make these changes, let's at least measure whether they are producing the results we desire.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill and the task force recommendations, highlighting the Gold Coast's severe DV statistics with nearly 3,000 DVO applications annually at Southport court. Raised concerns about the Queensland Audit Office finding that the government does little evaluation of DV measures.

“We support the bill, we support the recommendations from the task force and we will continue to hold the government to account to make sure they implement it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as a minister and shared personal experience of his daughter being a victim of coercive control. Strongly supported the bill's provisions to identify patterns of controlling behaviour.

“I will not call them men; they are not men. Anyone who commits an offence against a woman—and males on most occasions are the perpetrators—is not a man.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Spoke as Minister for Education about the updated Respectful Relationships program in schools, supported by $15.5 million in funding. Strongly supported the bill's inclusion of pattern of behaviour in the definition of domestic violence.

“I cannot express how much I support these amendments. Coercive control is insidious. I am lucky to stand here and say I have not been a victim of it, but not many can say that.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former police officer, highlighting the complexity of investigating coercive control cases. Called for additional police resources and simplified processes, citing the QPU's estimate of 500 extra officers needed.

“I note the delay in bringing this important legislation into the House. I can finally say thank you on behalf of all of the victims who have suffered coercive control because at least this is progressing and we have finally got to this point.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supported the bill and particularly highlighted the new cyberstalking provisions in chapter 33A of the Criminal Code, sharing the story of Tracey and Mick Clayton whose son was a victim of catfishing. Credited the Attorney-General for meeting the family and incorporating changes.

“That is why we will be supporting this bill today.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing the story of Danielle Coleman who survived a knife attack after experiencing coercive control. Emphasised that coercive control diminishes victims' liberties in their own households and welcomed the change to section 229B terminology.

“It is so important that we legislate for coercive control because we know what coercive control leads to. It will lead to a horrific crime that ends a life.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

KAP supported the bill while advocating for more attention to male victims of domestic violence. Argued that the debate should not shut down discussion of men who are affected and called for support services for men alongside those for women.

“As I have said, we are supportive of what the government is trying to do here in addressing a very real and serious issue in coercive control, but do not forget the men along the way.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as Minister for Children and Youth Justice, explaining the bill's amendments to the Youth Justice Act requiring courts to treat a child offender's exposure to domestic violence as a mitigating factor at sentencing, noting 60 per cent of young people under youth justice supervision have been impacted by DFV.

“Whilst not excusing the actions of a child offender, this amendment recognises the intrinsic and harmful link between historical exposure to domestic violence and potential future offending.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill with bipartisan emphasis, acknowledging contributions from both sides of the House. Called for social media companies to take greater responsibility for inappropriate content that works against educative programs.

“We need cultural change across the community. It is the responsibility of each and every Queenslander to ensure that they lead the way when it comes to tackling these issues.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Shared personal experiences of witnessing coercive control in a friend's relationship and a stalking incident involving technology-facilitated surveillance at her own home. Welcomed the bill's inclusion of pattern of behaviour in the definition of domestic violence.

“I am so proud to be part of a parliament that is making this change.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on her experience working with DFV support services in Cairns and acknowledging organisations in remote and Indigenous communities. Commended local councils for establishing safe houses that remove perpetrators rather than displacing women and children.

“These measures will also strengthen the agencies and the organisations in all of our communities out there working really hard to make a difference.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as laying groundwork for the standalone coercive control offence, welcoming changes to sexual offence terminology and protections for domestic violence victims as protected witnesses from direct cross-examination.

“We need to create a system where the pursuit of justice outweighs the embedded gendered interests.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, remembering Janet Guthrie who was killed in a domestic violence incident. Highlighted the bill's provisions on cross-applications, systems abuse costs orders, and jury directions addressing DFV misconceptions.

“One of the most concerning aspects of contemporary domestic and family violence trends is the ability for perpetrators to weaponise court proceedings and orders as an ongoing form of abuse.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing his experience attending the site of Doreen Langham's murder in Browns Plains. Presented statistics showing 95 per cent of those convicted of murdering their intimate partner were male, arguing men must confront this reality.

“What is it in my Australian male culture that I need to tackle to make a change? Because no brave, upstanding Australian man could ever accept those statistics.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, thanking local DFV organisations and acknowledging the work needed in island communities where escape options are limited by ferry timetables.

“If we do not talk about it and work on it, we are never going to get to the point where we solve domestic and family violence in our communities.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Spoke as Minister for Energy emphasising the importance of men making contributions to the DFV debate and acknowledged the need for men to shoulder their share of the responsibility for ending domestic violence.

“It is crucial that the burden of ending domestic and family violence is not borne by those victims and their families alone. We all have a role to play, especially some of us because the truth is that more often than not the kind of violence addressed by these reforms is perpetrated by men.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard

Replied as Attorney-General, defending the government's record of $1.3 billion invested since 2015 and addressing concerns raised during debate about implementation speed, police resourcing, sexual offence terminology, and misidentification of victims.

“The Palaszczuk government has heard these victim-survivors and is privileged to progress this bill through the parliament as the first step towards criminalising coercive control.”— 2023-02-22View Hansard