Labor flags corruption risks for widening police DV powers

November 6, 2026 — 7:39pmQueensland’s Labor opposition has raised major concerns with a government push to expand police on-the-spot domestic violence order powers, urging greater safeguards as an LNP-controlled committee rubber-stamped the bill for passage through parliament.In a statement of reservation attached to the committee report, released on Friday, Labor MPs highlighted a submission from the Crime and Corruption Commission warning of the inherent risk of such powers and unwinding of a key oversight measure.A separate government-controlled committee has also greenlit another bill which would place significant new limits on who can lodge objections to mining lease applications, and whether those objections will be heard by the state’s Land Court.The Victims’ Commissioner has also urged a long-awaited Police Integrity Unit be “established as soon as possible to enhance victim and community confidence”.Michelle SmithThe Crisafulli government introduced the bill to expand the police powers in September, citing criticism from police that an initial scheme established late last year, and due for review within two years but not yet subject to one, was too onerous to be of use.Most existing restrictions around use of the “police protection directions” would be removed, and directions will be able to be issued for up to three years, rather than one. Previous powers acting as a stop-gap until a matter could be urgently heard in court will be repealed.Issuing a direction will be a requirement when releasing a person from custody, unless that person is deemed to be most in need of protection, and any direction “in error” will be able to be scrubbed from a person’s domestic violence history.“There is no clear rationale for the change in policy position from 2025 ...”Crime and Corruption Commission submissionPolice will still have to file a direction with a court in certain circumstances, such as when there are related proceedings under way. The bill will also increase penalties for repeat breaches of domestic violence orders, and expand a statewide electronic monitoring trial.The corruption watchdog’s submission to education, arts and communities committee consideration of the bill noted the proposed removal of exclusions barring police from issuing a direction when another officer is involved as either the alleged perpetrator or victim.This had been done, according to explanatory notes at the time, “to ensure DFV [domestic and family violence] matters involving police are heard by a court and are not handled internally,” the watchdog noted.“The Bill removes the protection this exclusion provides,” acting chair Kathryn McMillan wrote.“There is no clear rationale for the change in policy position from 2025, nor provision for additional safeguards to manage the potential risks that may arise in circumstances where a police officer is involved in a DFV matter.”McMillan said there were inherent corruption risks associated with discretionary police powers around issuing such directions when an officer is involved, and said dumping safeguards appeared at odds with calls from the 2022 Richards Inquiry – including for a new police integrity unit.Labor MPs noted a submission from the Victims’ Commissioner also highlighted that outstanding work, and urged that the unit be “established as soon as possible to enhance victim and community confidence in police integrity”.“The Attorney-General [Deb Frecklington] has now had more than two years, and the government is still only considering the recommendation,” the Labor MPs wrote, noting they supported reforms giving police better support to protect victims survivors and the community.“Again, these steps need to be based in the evidence, and they must be carefully balanced with the inherent risks that are associated with responding to domestic and family violence and they need to have victim survivors front and centre.“This bill, without additional safeguards, does not appear to meet that threshold.”The committee recommended the bill pass as drafted. The committee leading consideration of the government’s mining objection overhaul suggested one change to allow objections from neighbouring councils.Labor MPs, along with Traeger MP Robbie Katter, also issued statements of reservation in the report on that bill, citing the removal of pathways for community involvement in decision-making.Parliament returns for its next three-day sitting week on November 17. The government, with its majority, does not require votes of the Opposition or crossbench to pass laws.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners