The Queensland government has proposed a measure that could increase the vulnerability of women experiencing domestic violence. They are considering allowing police officers to issue instant, year-long protection orders. However, experts warn that this might exacerbate issues stemming from the frequent misidentification of domestic violence victims by law enforcement.

Queensland’s Police Minister, Dan Purdie, claims this plan would save the police a significant amount of time. However, specialists and advocates for victims of domestic and family violence are concerned. They argue that giving police the power to issue immediate orders without the current court process could worsen the problems created by incorrect identification of victims, particularly affecting First Nations women.

Professor Heather Douglas of the University of Melbourne and an expert on protection orders decries the proposal as problematic, arguing that protection orders should not be given as easily as parking fines. The proposal mirrors a system used in Tasmania, where expert witness Angela Lynch and the Queensland Sexual Assault Network argue it leads to misidentifying victims as perpetrators, causing safety and justice issues for vulnerable women and children.

Lynch also points out the discrepancy in the time frames of police protection directions—being proposed at one year—comparing this to court-issued orders which typically last five years. The “Not Now, Not Ever” inquiry recommended increasing the duration of protection orders to reduce the trauma associated with reliving experiences. She hopes the government has thoroughly considered the implications of these changes for victim survivors.

Purdie insists that this measure is necessary to reduce the police’s paperwork at a time when their workload has increased dramatically. He maintains that these laws would provide police the tools needed to quickly offer protection to vulnerable individuals and hold the perpetrators accountable while protecting all victims of crime.

The controversy over this proposal reflects a broader concern, balancing the need for efficient legal response against the vital considerations of safety and justice for victims of domestic violence.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/04/queensland-police-to-have-power-to-order-instant-year-long-domestic-violence-protection-orders-ntwnfb