Bundaberg victims of domestic violence, their children and their families are now better protected after the Queensland Parliament passed important new laws introduced by the Liberal National Party last night.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the new laws toughen bail rules for domestic violence offenders, introduce urgent appeal rights for victims and will see offenders fitted with GPS tracking devices.
“In Queensland Parliament last night we voted to protect vulnerable victims of domestic violence and I truly believe these tough new measures will save lives,” Mr Bennett said.
“Our community was demanding action on domestic violence, and I’m proud that we have stepped up on behalf of every woman, man and child and delivered these critical reforms from Opposition.
“We simply couldn’t wait any longer. Enough is enough.”
Mr Bennett said Queensland accounted for a quarter of all domestic violence-related deaths in Australia last year.
“The LNP have a strong record of standing up for victims of crime and ensuring that the scales of justice are balanced in favour of community safety.”
Mr Bennett said the LNP’s measures will give the courts greater powers in certain high-risk cases to ensure the accused can’t make contact with the victim.
Key reforms in the Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017:
• Reversing the presumption for bail in domestic violence-related crimes such as assault, grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, strangulation and kidnapping. Passed
• Introducing a DV Alert system to ensure victims and families are notified when someone charged with domestic violence crimes is being considered for or has been granted bail. Failed
• The DV Alert system will also notify victims and families when someone with a DVO is being considered for parole, even if the reason they are in prison is not related to domestic violence. Passed
• Introducing urgent appeal rights to the bail application process, meaning bail decisions will be stayed for up to three business days and referred to a higher court for urgent review. Passed
• Allowing GPS trackers to be fitted to an alleged offender as a bail condition by the court to ensure that victims of crime are better protected throughout the trial process, which can be lengthy. Passed
ENDS.
Thursday, 23 March 2017