Domestic violence victims and mothers of murdered women have been abandoned by Labor members Duncan Pegg, Nikki Boyd and Don Brown in an act of pure partisan politics.
Labor’s three members of the committee examining the LNP’s tough new domestic violence Bill have refused to recommend that the new laws be passed – ignoring pleas of victims and advocates and choosing to side with civil libertarians and perpetrators.
See the committee report released late today, here: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2017/5517T396.pdf
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Ros Bates said this was a complete slap in the face to victims and families who had been impacted by domestic violence.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has ignored and dismissed the views of victims and families who have lost loved ones to domestic violence,” Ms Bates said.
“The Labor members of this committee think civil libertarians and the rights of perpetrators trump victims, which is simply offensive.
“It is nothing short of shameful of Labor to rip up years of bipartisanship on tackling domestic violence at the expense of cheap politicking.”
Ms Bates said the Bill was based on working laws in other states, recommendations of the “Not Now Not Ever” report not yet enacted or ideas from the sector.
“Doing nothing is not a solution and Labor have offered nothing in the committee process to help this Bill pass,” Ms Bates said.
“Labor’s Annastasia Palaszczuk and her so called Minister for Women and Attorney-General should hang their heads in shame.
“It has been clear from the very beginning that Labor were never going to support this important legislation and today’s committee report is further proof of that.”
Sonia Anderson, whose daughter Bianca was murdered by her partner, said she was shocked it could not reach a unanimous agreement on passing important legislation.
“The reason for this legislation is to save lives, it's simple,” Ms Anderson said.
“I strongly hope that Annastasia Palaszczuk and her colleagues do what the public want, and back this legislation to protect victims and their families from domestic violence.
“We can't let civil libertarians and perpetrators hold us back from strengthening the laws to protect the victims of domestic violence.”
Ms Anderson said the time for action was urgent and would help to save lives.
“If this legislation had been in place just six months ago, Queensland women would still be alive,” Ms Anderson said.
“In the past, both sides of Parliament have said to me that tackling domestic violence, and ultimately domestic homicide will be done with bipartisan support.
“It would be distressing for me and the community if that is not the case with this new proposed legislation.”
LNP’s Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017:
