Harsher family violence bill introduced in Queensland

Australia's ex-Governor-General Quentin Bryce and author of the Not Now, Not Ever report. REUTERS/Mick Tsikas.
Australia's ex-Governor-General Quentin Bryce and author of the Not Now, Not Ever report. REUTERS/Mick Tsikas.
“It’s clear that more needs to be done or things need to be done differently”, Yvette D'Ath

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has taken the first steps towards changing domestic violence legislation in Australia by introducing the ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ bill.

The report was written by former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce, who will also oversee the roll-out of the 140 recommendations it contains.

In the last year, Dame Quentin has chaired a taskforce focusing on reducing family violence while also investigating the issue in her home state of Queensland.

Her alarming findings showed Queensland is facing a crisis where 180 cases of domestic violence are reported daily, and despite the alarming statistics, the issue is a national one.

D’Ath spoke in State Parliament of the current violence legislation being ineffective, and stressed that everyone needs to feel safe in their own home,

“This bill provides a strong framework from which to effect real change and prevent future domestic and family violence deaths by delivering quickly on the Government’s commitment to implement key priority recommendations of the special taskforce.”

D’Ath hoped that in conjunction with community efforts, the harsher penalties provided for under laws tabled in the state parliament would assist in eradicating the scourge of the violence.

Queensland police have also said they’ll take a more proactive approach, after three women were killed within days in the state by their partners.

The bill was to be debated by the Parliament within the month, but the Opposition has offered bipartisan.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login