Tasmania is set to introduce new, “nation-leading” laws that will compel serial family violence offenders to disclose any new relationships to police, including updates to their social media and dating profiles. The proposed reforms, announced by Attorney-General Guy Barnett, aim to strengthen protections for victim-survivors across the state.
Under the draft legislation, which is expected to be open for public consultation before Christmas, individuals declared as serial family violence perpetrators would face a minimum two-year declaration period. During this time, they would be mandated to complete a behavioural change or rehabilitation program before the declaration could be lifted.
The reforms also include the establishment of a public register for declared serial family violence offenders. However, courts would retain the power to withhold details from this register if publication could compromise a victim’s safety or confidentiality, the ABC reported.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett highlighted the urgent need for these changes, noting a concerning 40 per cent increase in applications related to breaches of family violence orders in Tasmanian Magistrates Courts during the 2024-25 period. Mr Barnett stated that this trend demonstrates a cohort of perpetrators who consistently disregard the safety of victim-survivors. He added that more than 400 serial family violence offenders are currently identified in Tasmania.
Further measures within the proposed amendments to the Family Violence Act 2004 include a minimum six-month prison term for offenders who commit additional serious family violence offences while under a declaration. The threshold for declaring someone a serial family violence perpetrator will also be reviewed to ensure the laws target high-risk offenders. Additionally, previous family violence convictions from any Australian state or territory will be considered when making a declaration, and courts will receive enhanced powers to impose conditions to prevent further violence and protect current, former, or potential partners. The definition of a “firearm” in the Act will also be expanded to include imitation firearms.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Jo Palmer, said the reforms would put a stronger focus on changing behaviour and ensuring consequences for perpetrators who continue to offend.
Bree Klerck, chief executive of the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance, welcomed the reforms but emphasised the need for increased resourcing. Ms Klerck noted a “wait list” for behavioural change programs, particularly affecting children and women. She suggested that evidence-based programs, lasting 12 months with offenders housed outside the family home, have shown promise in other countries. Ms Klerck also expressed that the public register would provide women with a crucial opportunity to understand the nature of relationships they might be entering.
Readers seeking further information on these proposed changes are encouraged to refer to the original reporting by ABC News Tasmania.