Australian State Moves to Criminalise ‘Coercive Control’

Queensland’s Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman declared it “an historic day.”

Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman is seen holding a copy of the legislation with a hand written note to Sue and Lloyd Clarke, parents of domestic violence murder victim Hannah Clarke at Parliament House in Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 11, 2023. The Queensland government has introduced laws into parliament to criminalise coercive control which will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail. AAP Image/Darren England

Coercive control will be a standalone offence after the Palaszczuk government introduced new laws that will see those guilty face up to 14 years’ jail.

This follows the passing of similar coercive control laws in New South Wales (NSW) in 2022 that will criminalise “violent, menacing or intimidating” behaviour in a domestic relationship. South Australia has also committed to legislating similar laws.