In August 2025, the Queensland Government passed landmark reform to strengthen protections for those experiencing domestic and family violence. These new domestic violence laws in QLD are designed to give police and the courts stronger, faster tools to protect victims, reduce harm, and hold perpetrators accountable.
With police responding to a domestic violence incident every three minutes across the state, these changes come at a critical time.
In this article, we explain what these new reforms are, and what victim-survivors need to know about the new legal protections now available to them.
Immediate Protection Without Going to Court
The centrepiece of the reforms is the introduction of Police Protection Directions, a new legal tool that allows police to issue on-the-spot domestic violence protections that last for up to 12 months.
Until now, most victims needed to go through court to apply for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), a process that can take time, cause further distress, and expose them to risk. Under the new laws, police will now be able to issue a 12-month direction immediately, ordering the respondent not to commit domestic violence against the victim or any named person.
These directions can also include:
- No contact conditions
- Orders to vacate the home (ouster)
- Cool-down conditions, or
- Directions to allow the aggrieved to return to their residence safely.
Importantly, breaching a Police Protection Direction is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison.
When Will Police Use These Directions?
Police Protection Directions won’t replace standard investigations or the usual court process. Instead, they will be used where police believe immediate protection is necessary. Officers will still investigate any allegations of domestic violence and apply their discretion based on risk, history, and the circumstances of the parties involved.
To protect against misuse, safeguards will apply, including an automatic review of any Direction issued to a female respondent. This ensures that the power is used fairly, without reinforcing gender bias or punishing victims who may be misidentified.
GPS Tracking for High-Risk Offenders
Under the new laws, courts now have the power to impose GPS tracking devices on high-risk domestic violence offenders. This may include those who have previously breached orders or police directions.
These devices allow authorities to monitor offenders in real-time and alert police to any violations of restricted areas or proximity conditions. In many cases, victim-survivors will also have access to devices that alert them if their abuser comes too close, helping them enact safety plans and stay in control of their environment.
The first 150 tracking devices are expected to roll out in 2025.
Reducing Trauma in the Courtroom
Victims will also benefit from a statewide rollout of video-recorded evidence-in-chief (VRE), a reform designed to reduce the trauma of retelling their story multiple times throughout the legal process.
This allows victims to give their initial account on video (typically recorded by police at the time of the incident), which can then be used as their primary evidence in court. The aim is to reduce the need for repeated interviews, cross-examination, and unnecessary re-traumatisation.
Why These Changes Matter
These reforms respond to a growing and deeply concerning reality: domestic and family violence incidents in Queensland have increased by over 200 percent in the past decade, with breaches of protection orders nearly doubling in just five years.
The introduction of on-the-spot protection, GPS tracking, and simplified evidence procedures will help:
- Remove delays in protection
- Reduce the trauma associated with survivors having to seek DVOs through the court
- Reduce the risk of escalation
- Empower victims to make safe choices
- Support police to act decisively and appropriately
- Hold perpetrators to account in real time
For many survivors, this is more than legal reform; it’s a shift toward a system that responds with urgency, compassion, and clarity.
Need Help Navigating the New Domestic Violence Laws in QLD?
At Pullos Lawyers, we understand that no two family law matters are ever the same. Whether you’re seeking urgent protection from family violence or navigating a complex separation, our experienced team is here to help.
We provide clear, compassionate advice across all areas of family law, including parenting matters, child support, wills and estate planning, and matters involving domestic and family violence. Whatever your circumstances, we take the time to listen, understand your goals, and guide you toward the safest and most practical path forward.
To speak with a family lawyer, contact us or call (07) 5526 3646. With offices in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we’re ready to support you.
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