LNP leading the way on domestic violence laws

• Three tough DV measures already announced by LNP with more to come next week
• LNP laws would ensure victims and families will be alerted when someone charged with domestic violence related crimes is being considered for, or has been granted bail
• Victims and families will also be alerted when someone with a DVO is being considered for parole, even if the reason they are in prison is not related to domestic violence
• LNP will reverse the presumption for bail in domestic violence-related crimes such as assault, grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, strangulation and kidnapping
• LNP legislation to be introduced in first week of Parliament
• Talk is cheap, action is required – while Labor review, we will do

LNP Leader Tim Nicholls today outlined more key measures to be included in the Opposition’s Private Members Bill to crack down on domestic violence in Queensland.

The LNP Bill, which already includes forcing those charged with domestic violence to prove why they deserve bail, will also include other tough measures.

“I owe it to all those people who have died, I owe it to my kids, I owe it to all Queenslanders to act,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We will put in place a DV alert system, where victims and family members will be notified if a person charged with a domestic violence related offence is being considered for, or has been granted, bail.

“Unbelievably there is currently no legislative provisions to allow this to occur in Queensland.”

Mr Nicholls said another measure being taken will be in relation to parole from prison.

“DV victims and family members who are, or have been, named in Domestic Violence Protection Orders will automatically be notified if an offender applies for parole,” he said.

“That means no matter what offence someone has committed that sent them to prison, when they are being considered for parole and may potentially be released, victims and family members will be notified.”

Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Ros Bates said it is unbelievable given all the research, reviews and information available, that the Palaszczuk Labor Government has asked for yet another review.

“We will drive reforms to Queensland domestic violence laws from Opposition because all Labor does is review, they never do,” Ms Bates said.

“The time for reviews and weasel words like ‘may, could, look at it, think about it’ are over.”

Mr Nicholls and Ms Bates were joined today by Sonia Anderson whose daughter Bianca was murdered by her partner.

“It just needs to stop, I don’t want any parent to have to go through what I have been through,” Ms Anderson said.

“I hope and pray with all my heart that politicians from all sides support the LNPs legislation.

“It is what is needed and it is the right thing to do.”