Queensland Police will soon be able to issue on-the-spot domestic violence protection orders under new laws passed by state parliament on Thursday.

The legislation, introduced in April by Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm, also expands the use of GPS monitoring for high-risk offenders and includes a trial of video-recorded evidence in court.

Camm said the reforms were designed as the government’s “first step in ensuring victims are put first,” while also easing administrative burdens on frontline police officers.

A significant change

The laws allow police to issue 12-month “police protection directions,” replacing the current short-term measures that require a court to extend them.

Police unions welcomed the change, arguing it would help officers respond more quickly and reduce paperwork. However, some community groups and opposition MPs raised concerns that the new system could put vulnerable people at risk if orders are wrongly applied.

Concerns raised

Labor MPs backed the bill but questioned whether the safeguards went far enough. Closing the Gap spokesperson Leeanne Enoch warned the new powers could result in misidentification where an order is wrongly issued against a victim rather than a perpetrator.

Macalister MP Melissa McMahon, a former police officer, pointed out that the recent inquiry into police responses to domestic violence did not recommend such powers. “In fact, it recommended greater oversight,” she said.

Queensland Council of Social Service CEO Aimee McVeigh said the consequences of mistakes would be “diabolical for women and children.” While acknowledging the reforms made some positive steps, she argued police protection directions were “not the right answer.”

Greens MP Michael Berkman added that the bill gave police “really significant powers … without judicial oversight.”

Government response

Closing the debate, Minister Camm defended the reforms, saying safeguards were in place to reduce the risk of misidentification. She accused Labor of failing to trust the police.

“The police have come a long way with their training and the way in which they deal with misidentification, and I think we have to acknowledge that,” Camm said.

What’s next

The new police protection directions will not take immediate effect. Explanatory notes for the bill state the powers will commence at a future date to allow time for training and support for officers.