Queensland’s Largest Petition Does Not Sway Government on Home Defence Laws

Katter’s Australian Party says it won’t back down on fighting to introduce ‘Castle Law’ in the state.

A sign can be seen outside the Brisbane Watch House in Brisbane, Australia, on July 12, 2024. Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) says it won’t back down from plans to try give homeowners more power to protect themselves from violent intruders.

The pledge comes after the minor party lodged a 114,000-signature petition that did not gain support from the governing LNP, who instead, emphasised the state’s policing efforts against youth crime.

During state parliament’s Questions on Notice, KAP Leader Robbie Katter asked attorney-general and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington would commit to implementing “Castle Law,” which gives residents more legal rights to protect themselves at home.

In response, Frecklington laid blame for the state’s crime rate on the previous Labor government and said the current government was acting “methodically and calmly.”

“Victim numbers are down 6.5 percent. We know they are still too high,” she said (pdf).

Frecklington said police needed to be supported, and that there were available self defence provisions.

“That is why we put more police on the beat,” she said. “That is why we have had flying squads going around this state.”

Under existing Queensland criminal law, proportionate self-defence against home intruders is considered fair, however, householders can face extensive—and sometimes costly—legal proceedings if action is pursued against them.

“I cannot say to elderly people in this great state, ‘It is up to you to defend your own home.’ No, we need to ensure our police are resourced properly,” Frecklington said.

Speaking afterwards, Katter said the petition was the largest e-petition in the state’s history.

“The response from the government has been that, ‘We don’t want to get in the way of the police,’” he said.

The leader said it had nothing to do with police, but giving residents “enhanced rights.”

“If they find themselves in the situation they need to defend themselves, their family or their property that they know they'll have the full backing of the law.

“So it really is just tipping the balance away from the perpetrators to the victims.”

The current petition garnered 114,000 signatures, while a previous attempt to introduce Castle Law in 2024 saw an accompanying petition receive 40,000 signatures.

Legal experts are divided on Castle Law, with some saying it would help victims feel more empowered, while opponents warn of the over-zealous use of violence or vigilantism.

When a petition is tabled to parliament it becomes part of the government’s official records.