Queensland’s reform program The Queensland Government is committed to leading a program of reform to end domestic and family violence and implementing the recommendations of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland outlined in the report Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland (Taskforce report). Eliminating domestic and family violence is a long-term endeavour, requiring focused and sustained commitment from the whole community. Staged implementation will be necessary to provide flexibility to accommodate changing circumstances and to effectively address new and emerging issues. The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy provides the framework for action until 2026. A series of four successive action plans will support the strategy enabling the government and the community to work in a coordinated and focused way. In its report, the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland stressed the importance of commencing implementation planning as soon as possible. This first action plan focuses on the priority actions to be implemented by government in response to the Taskforce report. It outlines how the government will work with Queensland communities to create a foundation for change and build momentum for reform. Feedback received from the community and stakeholders in relation to the draft strategy has influenced the development of this first action plan. The taskforce also recommended the establishment of an independent oversight body to ensure accountable implementation of the recommendations in the Taskforce report and the strategy. The Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council will be chaired by The Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO and include Mr Lance Hockridge, as Deputy Chair, Mr Lachlan Heywood, Mr Darren Lockyer, Mr Edward Mosby, Ms Natalie Lewis, Ms Faiza El-Higzi, Ms Denise Kostowski, Dr Shannon Spriggs Murdoch, Dr Wendell Rosevear, Ms Kathryn McMillan QC, Ms Karyn Walsh, Ms Janette Phelan, Ms Karni Liddell and Dr Kathleen Baird. The council will also be a strong advocate for ensuring action on eliminating domestic and family violence in Queensland remains a focus. term
How will action be coordinated? The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy sets the direction for ending domestic and family violence in Queensland and outlines a shared vision for Queensland. It sets out a plan to achieve the shared vision and how we, as the Queensland community, will get there. The strategy and its action plans are designed in a chronological order, recognising the need to continually build on our achievements. The reforms made under action plans will be monitored and evaluated over time to ensure their ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Subsequent action plans will be modified to address any learnings identified through evaluation. Following is a condensed version of the key elements of the strategy. Our vision The vision of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy is: “ A Queensland free from domestic and family violence.” Key outcome The primary long-term outcome of the strategy is: “ All Queenslanders live safely in their own homes and children can grow and develop in safe and secure environments.” Supporting outcomes The outcome is underpinned by the seven supporting outcomes outlined in the first action plan. These outcomes will help us to understand what we are wanting to achieve. Foundational elements The three foundational elements underpinning the strategy are: A significant shift in community attitudes and behaviours is required An integrated response system must deliver the services and support that victims and perpetrators need, and The justice system response will be strengthened to prioritise victim safety and hold perpetrators to account. Guiding principles The strategy is supported by key principles which form the basis of how Queensland, as a community, can work together to end domestic and family violence. The principles will guide all stages of reform and will also be used to help design new approaches, processes or programs.
First Action Plan (2015-16) This action plan is the first of four action plans which will provide the blueprint to guide government and the community. The action plans will help to realise the objectives of the strategy and achieve the vision of a Queensland free from domestic and family violence. The first action plan outlines the initiatives undertaken as part of the government’s response over the period July to December 2015 and details the program of work until 30 June 2016. The first action plan seeks to establish the foundations for the strategy, and create the necessary framework for the projects that will drive change over the longer term. A number of highpriority actions focused on shorterterm goals complementing the overall strategic direction will be implemented by 30 June 2016. Initially focused on creating a positive environment for fostering change, its actions and initiatives will provide a strong base for subsequent action plans as well as starting to create momentum for change in the community. How does it work? The following tables detail specific initiatives, programs and actions each of the strategy’s supporting outcomes, along with the government agency that will lead implementation and the related recommendations of the Taskforce report. Where an action is not directly related to a recommendation of the Taskforce report, but forms part of the broader domestic and family violence reform program, the action has been categorised as an enabling action. Actions which contribute to multiple supporting outcomes can be found under each of the relevant outcome sections. This structure will help the government and the community to understand how activity in the action plan contributes to the achievement of the strategy’s vision. The Legend below details each of the supporting outcomes as they are referenced in the following tables Table legend 1: Queenslanders take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence 2: Respectful relationships and non-violent behaviour are embedded in our community 3: Queensland community, business, religious, sporting and all government leaders are taking action and working together 4: Queensland’s workplaces and workforce challenge attitudes contributing to violence and effectively support workers 5: Victims and their families are safe and supported 6: Perpetrators stop using violence and are held to account 7: The justice system deals effectively with domestic and family violence trial
Supporting outcome 1: Queenslanders take a zero tolerance approach to domestic and family violence Everyone, everywhere feels safe, supported and protected from all forms of domestic and family violence. Family, friends and neighbours support each other. Witnesses to violence are empowered to recognise, respond and refer appropriately. Friends, team mates, family and neighbours appropriately make it clear that violence is not acceptable and do not condone violent behaviour. First responders (police, ambulance, fire, health services) are able to recognise, respond and refer appropriately when violence occurs. WHAT WE WILL DO LEAD AGENCY OUTCOME NO. RELATED TO REC NO. Develop and consult on a draft Queensland prevention of domestic and family violence strategy and first action plan. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1 1, 2 Establish and support a Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council to and monitor implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce report and serve as champions of the strategy through creating a shared responsibility for achieving the vision. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 3 3 Provide the first report of the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council to the Premier on implementation progress and the performance of the sectors taking action to eliminate domestic and family violence. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 3 3, 4 Develop an evaluation framework to evaluate implementation of the taskforce’s recommendations. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 3 5, 17 Develop contemporary integrated domestic and family violence service delivery models, in consultation with the sector, to in three locations (one urban community, one regional community and one discrete Indigenous community). In consultation with the sector, also undertake the foundational work needed to support implementation of these trials including development of a common risk assessment framework, information sharing guidelines and a process for managing high-risk cases. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1,3,5,6,7 9, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83 trial
Work in partnership with the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community and the domestic and family violence service system to develop culturally appropriate services and supports. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 5, 6 Enabling action Expand the network of specialist domestic and family violence prevention and support services by establishing new services across the Central Queensland and Far North Queensland regions. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 5, 7 Enabling action Consult on and co-design a Queensland Women’s Strategy. Gender inequality is a key reason why violence against women exists. Through its focus on gender equality and opportunities for women, the strategy will be an important violence prevention foundational initiative. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 1, 2, 3, 4 Enabling action Consult on and co-design a Prevention of Violence Against Plan for Queensland. By taking a broader approach to preventing violence against women, the government is committed to making Queensland a safer place for women and girls. This plan will support and strengthen the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Enabling action
Provide the report of the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council to the Premier on implementation progress and the performance of the sectors taking action to eliminate domestic and family violence. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 3 3, 4 Develop an evaluation framework to evaluate implementation of the taskforce’s recommendations. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 3 5, 17 Enhance the domestic and family violence death review process by increasing the capacity of the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Unit in the Office of the State Coroner and establishing a Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board, and develop protocols that improve information sharing between the unit and government agencies. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 3 6, 7, 8 Develop contemporary integrated domestic and family violence service delivery models, in consultation with the sector, to in three locations (one urban community, one regional community and one discrete Indigenous community). In consultation with the sector, also undertake the foundational work needed to support implementation of these trials including development of a common risk assessment framework, information sharing guidelines and a process for managing high-risk cases. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 9, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83 Deliver an annual abuse prevention campaign, commencing in the lead up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in June 2016 to raise awareness of the behaviours that constitute elder abuse and the significant emotional, financial and physical impacts of elder abuse on Queensland communities. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 2, 3 12 Work with a range of stakeholders to hold a design forum to examine innovative ways to communicate with the Queensland community about domestic and family violence. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 1, 2, 3 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 30 trial
Develop and implement a communication and engagement strategy to: encourage public sector employees to contribute to the public consultation on the draft Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Stratgey and Prevention of Violence Against Women Plan support the implementation of a culture change program to ensure the public sector leads and models responsive workplaces that respond appropriately to domestic and family violence support the delivery of consistent messages on the Strategy implementation. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 2, 3 18 Expand the annual Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month community grants program to extend the number of community based awareness activities and partnerships across the state. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 1, 3 23 Recognising that some departments have already commenced domestic and family violence initiatives, a review will be undertaken to gather information on existing programs and policies to support victims of domestic and family violence in the workplace. The results of this review will inform the development and implementation of a coordinated and responsive workplace culture program, capable of being adapted based on individual agency circumstances. Public Service Commission 3, 4 31 Make available and promote to all Queensland Government employees the Recognise, Respond, Refer: Domestic Violence and the Workplace online training program. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 4 32 Seek to implement expanded guidance and templates underpinning Principle 4 of the Queensland Procurement Policy. This is to ensure that the workplace policies for contractor and suppliers to government relating to domestic and family violence form part of how the government identifies ‘ethical and socially responsible suppliers’. Implementing these recommendations will include consulting with other government agencies to ensure the impacts on small business in particular are understood, and that a practical and effective approach to implementation is undertaken. Department of Housing and Public Works 3 42
Make available to local government, business and non-government organisations a consolidated suite of information, training and support resources developed for Queensland Government employees. Public Service Commission 3, 4 Enabling action Supporting outcome 5: Victims and their families are safe and supported Integrated services are all inclusive to respond, rebuild, empower and create economic independence. Integrated services provide culturally appropriate wrap-around services to help victims and their families escape violence, access or maintain stable and safe housing; help victims rebuild and empower their lives and support survivors to become independent and not return to violence. WHAT WE WILL DO LEAD AGENCY OUTCOME NO. RELATED TO REC NO. Develop contemporary integrated domestic and family violence service delivery models, in consultation with the sector, to in three locations (one urban community, one regional community and one discrete Indigenous community). In consultation with the sector, also undertake the foundational work needed to support implementation of these trials including development of a common risk assessment framework, information sharing guidelines and a process for managing high-risk cases. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 9, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83 Commission a review to explore the specific challenges faced by people with a disability impacted by domestic and family violence. Develop a response to these challenges that considers access, availability and integration of services to address the impact of domestic and family violence on people with a disability. Specific actions will focus on both preventing and responding to domestic violence. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 2, 5 10 Commission a review into the prevalence and characteristics of elder abuse in recognition of the harm experienced by older people impacted by elder abuse. The review findings will inform the development of integrated service response models and a communication strategy. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 5 11 Develop a public service directive to support victims of domestic and family violence in the workplace and prepare support materials for managers and supervisors on implementing the directive and supporting victims in the workplace. Public Service Commission 4, 5 37, 38, 39
Consult with and community stakeholders through the release of public consultation papers to identify: how to reinforce the nature and seriousness of criminal offences involving domestic and family violence and ensure perpetrators are held to account ways to improve the legal system’s response to non-lethal strangulation. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 6, 7 118, 120 Make amendments to ensure that patterns of domestic and family violence are reflected in a perpetrator’s criminal history. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 6, 7 119 Review the current range of investigative methodologies, evidence gathering techniques, and prosecution practice to ensure offenders are held more accountable for their actions. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 131 Revise operational policy and guidelines to ensure decisions prioritise the safety of the victim and, sufficient evidence is available, perpetrators of domestic and family violence are arrested, brought before a court, and prosecuted to the extent of the law. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 134 Undertake a thorough, evidence-based assessment of current and future demand to inform staffing and resource distribution for the District Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator Network. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 135 Appoint, and appropriately support, a Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator at the rank of Inspector to engender a consistent approach to the policing response, monitor performance and improve practice, and drive the future direction agenda for domestic and family violence policing. Queensland Police Service 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 136 The Deputy Commissioner, supported by the Assistant Commissioner responsible for domestic and family violence policing, will convene a forum of recognised experts, police domestic and family violence practitioners and key partner agency representatives to define prevention and first responder best policing practice in Queensland. Queensland Police Service 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 137 Scope current centrally administered training packages and locally delivered training initiatives to inform an assessment of the appropriateness and frequency of relevant learnings to domestic and family violence. Queensland Police Service 4, 5, 6, 7 138
Consult with and community stakeholders through the release of public consultation papers to identify: how to reinforce the nature and seriousness of criminal offences involving domestic and family violence and ensure perpetrators are held to account ways to improve the legal system’s response to non-lethal strangulation. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 6, 7 118, 120 Make amendments to ensure that patterns of domestic and family violence are reflected in a perpetrator’s criminal history. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 6, 7 119 Expand the domestic violence duty lawyer service to a total of 14 locations across the state through Legal Aid Queensland. Work with Legal Aid Queensland to develop position descriptions and guidelines which are of a high quality, underpinned by an appropriate knowledge and skills base and ensure that appropriate referrals are made to other legal and support services. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 7 126, 127, 128 Consult with and community stakeholders on a model for a sexual assault counselling privilege to apply to criminal proceedings and limited civil proceedings on the same facts. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 7 130 Review the current of investigative methodologies, evidence gathering techniques, and prosecution practice to ensure offenders are held more accountable for their actions. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 131 Amend the Evidence Act 1977 to ensure that victims of domestic violence automatically have status as a ‘special witness’ in criminal proceedings, allowing the court to make a range of orders and directions to support them in giving evidence. Consider whether there should be a process to allow the use of video-recorded police interviews as the evidence of domestic violence victims in criminal matters. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 7 133 Revise operational policy and guidelines to ensure decisions prioritise the safety of the victim and, sufficient evidence is available, perpetrators of domestic and family violence are arrested, brought before a court, and prosecuted to the extent of the law. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 134 Undertake a thorough, evidence-based assessment of current and future demand to inform staffing and resource distribution for the District Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator Network. Queensland Police Service 5, 6, 7 135
Appoint, and appropriately support, a State Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator at the rank of Inspector to engender a consistent approach to the policing response, monitor performance and improve practice, and drive the future direction agenda for domestic and family violence policing. Queensland Police Service 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 136 The Deputy Commissioner, supported by the Assistant Commissioner responsible for domestic and family violence policing, will convene a of recognised experts, police domestic and family violence practitioners and key partner agency representatives to define prevention and first responder best policing practice in Queensland. Queensland Police Service 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 137 Scope current centrally administered training packages and locally delivered training initiatives to inform an assessment of the appropriateness and frequency of relevant learnings to domestic and family violence. Queensland Police Service 4, 5, 6, 7 138 Duly note the advice from the interim report of the Family Law Council in relation to the of parents resolving parenting disputes and the intersection between relevant State and Commonwealth jurisdictions. Liaise with the Commonwealth on the proposed recommendations for reform. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 3, 7 139 Support the Chief Magistrate and the Queensland Law Society in developing useful practice resources as well as professional development training for magistrates and legal professionals, and continue training initiatives for front-line court and registry staff. Department of Justice and Attorney-General 3, 7 Enabling action Expand the network of specialist domestic and family violence prevention and support services by establishing new services across the Central Queensland and Far North Queensland regions. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 3, 5, 7 Enabling action Consult on and co-design a Prevention of Violence Against Women Plan for Queensland. By taking a broader approach to preventing violence against women, the government is committed to making Queensland a safer place for women and girls. This plan will support and strengthen the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Enabling action
13 The Queensland Government makes representations to the Commonwealth Government to consider reforms to the funding of carers that continue to support the invaluable care that most carers provide but remove capacity for the payments to be used as a tool for financial control and domestic and family violence of elderly people. The Queensland Government will make representations to the Australian Government informed through consultation with carers and stakeholders, the review into the prevalence and characteristics of elder abuse (Recommendation 11) and findings of the Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial protections for Queensland’s seniors. Department of Communities, Safety and Disability Services 22 The Queensland Government ensures that the communication strategy is implemented through all line services including (but not limited to) health and hospital services, education services and schools, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, housing services, Legal Aid Queensland, Director of Public Prosecutions and other legal services. The Queensland Government acknowledges frontline staff have an important role in encouraging cultural change in the community and will ensure staff understand the key messages embedded in the Communication Strategy (see Recommendation 18). Department of the Premier and Cabinet 36 The Queensland Government requests the Commonwealth Government considers similar and dismissal amendments to the Fair Work Act to protect Queensland workers engaged under the Federal Act from unfair dismissal and provide appropriate support to workers experiencing domestic and family violence. The Queensland Government will request the Commonwealth Government to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) informed by the outcomes of the review of Queensland’s industrial relations laws, current leave and unfair dismissal provisions. Queensland Treasury 40 The Minister for Local Government works with the Local Government Association of Queensland and individual local governments to implement the changes in the Industrial Relations Act and the provision of new leave. This includes providing (free of charge) all directives, human resource policies and training programs established for state public service employees. The Queensland Government supports the intent of this recommendation. The Queensland Government will work with the Local Government Association of Queensland to ensure any changes to the Industrial Relations Act and leave arrangements are reflected in the policies and procedures of individual local governments. The Government will make all directives, human resource policies and training materials available, free of charge, for use, if appropriate, by local governments. Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning