In a significant move to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence, the Coalition government has pledged a $90 million package that includes the creation of a national register for offenders and the criminalisation of technology-facilitated abuse. Peter Dutton, drawing on his experience as a former police officer, announced the suite of measures aimed at bolstering the decade-long national plan to end violence against women and children.
Acknowledging the "lifelong impact of these horrific crimes," Dutton emphasised the urgency of the situation, echoing the national cabinet's previous commitment of $4.7 billion to tackle the emergency. A cornerstone of the Coalition's strategy is the establishment of a National Domestic Violence Register. This database would enable police and relevant agencies to access and share crucial information regarding an individual's history of family violence convictions, although it would not be publicly accessible. The Coalition government argues this will enhance information sharing and improve responses to potential threats.
Furthermore, the proposed package includes the creation of new domestic violence offences specifically targeting the misuse of mobile phone technology. This initiative aims to criminalise the use of phones to threaten or track intimate partners or family members, explicitly addressing the growing concern around perpetrators utilising spyware and engaging in coercive control through digital means.
This $90 million strategy represents the Coalition's long-awaited comprehensive plan to combat domestic abuse, signalling a determined effort to strengthen legal frameworks and provide law enforcement with enhanced tools to protect vulnerable individuals. Although while information is still emerging, amendments to legislation are yet to be recognised.