This week the LNP Opposition will introduce tough new laws to State Parliament to tackle the growing scourge of domestic violence in Moggill and across the state.
Dr Christian Rowan MP, the State Member for Moggill and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Heritage Protection and Shadow Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, said the Private Members Bill would include reversing the onus of proof for bail, establishing a DV alert system, GPS monitoring for high-risk offenders on bail and introducing immediate appeal rights against bail.
“While the Palaszczuk Government has been sitting on their hands saying they will ‘look into’ strong domestic violence laws, the LNP has actually gone ahead and done it,” Dr Rowan said.
“By introducing a DV alert system, victims will be notified when the alleged offender is applying for bail or having their parole reviewed.
“We will also introduce GPS monitoring as an option for bail to ensure an alleged attacker can’t go near the victim.”
“We’ve seen far too many tragedies of late and the last thing we want to see is another one.”
Dr Rowan said Queensland accounted for a quarter of all domestic-violence related deaths in Australia in 2016.
“In 2015-16 there were more than 22,000 domestic violence orders breached across the state – up 39 per cent from the year before,” Dr Rowan said.
“Despite this alarming surge, The Palaszczuk Government still hasn’t implemented even half of the recommendations from the Not Now, Not Ever report from two years ago.
“I hope Members from all sides can look past the politics and support these strong laws because the longer we wait, the longer vulnerable women and children will be put at risk.”
Key elements include,
- Reversing the onus of proof for bail – Making it harder for bail to be granted for alleged offenders charged with domestic violence-related crimes
- Establishing a DV alert system – The LNP Bill allows for automatic notification when anyone the subject of a domestic violence is being considered for either bail or parole, giving time for victims to prepare mentally and physically for their potential release
- GPS monitoring for high-risk offenders on bail – Allowing the police to apply for GPS monitoring as part of a bail condition to ensure the safety of victims and their families
- Introducing immediate appeal rights against bail – Providing an urgent review of a granted bail application to a higher court
