In State Parliament today, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has stood up for victims of domestic violence by supporting tough new laws to tackle the growing scourge of domestic violence in the Bundaberg and Burnett region and across the state.

Mr Bennett said the Private Members Bill introduced by the LNP Opposition 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, we have actually gone ahead and got the job done,” he said.

“We called on the Palaszczuk Government to deliver these tough new laws to meet the community’s expectations, but clearly they have failed to hear the cries of victims and their families. Our community deserves better.

“We need to move forward on this important issue. We’ve seen far too many tragedies of late and the last thing we want to see is another one.”

Mr Bennett, who is a White Ribbon Ambassador, 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,” he said.

Mr Bennett said sadly 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,” he 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. Enough is enough!”

Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017:

• Reverse 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 order 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.

[ENDS]

Tuesday, February 14, 2017