Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has welcomed the opportunity for local residents to have their say on a plan to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland.

Mr Bennett said the consultation paper released by the LNP allows discussion to begin on a proposed scheme modelled on the United Kingdom’s Clare’s Law, currently being trialled in New South Wales.

He said Clare’s Law allowed access to vital information about someone’s violent past and crimes.

“I’m urging local residents to get involved in the consultation process and provide their feedback,” Mr Bennett said.

“Sadly, EDON Place Women’s Domestic Violence Service is seeing a significant increase in domestic and family violence over the past couple of years.

“The time is right for the Bundaberg and Burnett community to be part of a meaningful conversation about the scourge of domestic violence.

“Only by working together, can we develop effective policy to lead the way in stamping out this insidious crime.”

EDON Place Service Director Lyne Booth said that services can only benefit by locals getting involved and having their say in the consultation process.

“EDON Place has experienced an increase in client numbers utilising the services available to them and the clients safety is paramount,” she said.

Clare’s Law was initially set up in the United Kingdom after a woman named Clare Wood was murdered by her former partner. In the course of the investigation it was discovered he had a violent past that had it been known by the victim or her family may have saved her life.

It means a person, their friends or family members who had a concern about his or her partner, would be able to make an application to the police for information on whether that person has a history of domestic violence or sexual offences.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the LNP was committed to tackling domestic and family violence and the release of the consultation paper is a follow up to the work of the “Not Now, Not Ever” report from Dame Quentin Bryce.

To provide feedback please complete the on-line form at: www.clareslawqld.com

[ENDS] 23 June 2015                                     Media Contact: 07 4159 1988