Strongest DV laws laid out
The Queensland Opposition has proposed the nation’s strongest laws to combat domestic violence.
The plan would see people who try to strangle their partners jailed for 14 years.
Reforms put forward by the LNP Opposition also included a new law to penalise coercive and controlling behaviour, and allow police to issue on-the-spot Domestic Violence Orders (DVO).
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington is proposing to double the maximum penalty for non-lethal strangulation from seven to 14 years in jail.
The changes would make Queensland’s non-lethal strangulation laws the toughest in the country.
“Any measure needs to be put in place that can assist the victims of domestic violence,” Ms Frecklington said.
“What we need to do is listen to the experts.
“If there is something that can be done within the criminal justice system to try to assist these victims, then we must be doing it.”
The Opposition also proposed a $500,000 scheme that would give personal safety devices to people in high-risk situations, including GPS equipment.
The measure would one-off assistance grants of up to $2,000 to help families flee and find crisis accommodation.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the Government has an “open mind” to the LNP's suggestions.
“We want evidence-based responses to what we know is an increasingly complex issue within our community,” she said.
“We have changed laws, we've set up specialist services, we've pumped money into the system, but of course we know there's always more that we can do.
“The Domestic Violence Council is meeting this week and I understand the Premier will attend this meeting.
“And we want all options on the table.”