Legislative update
Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2008
The Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2008 has been passed but is not yet in force. It will come into force on date to be appointed by the Governor-General. The changes in the Act were introduced as the Domestic Violence Reform Bill 304-1 (2008). The Explanatory note of this Bill sets out the rationale for the changes: "A Ministry of Justice evaluation conducted in 2000, and further research commissioned by the Ministry of Women's Affairs in 2007, concluded that the domestic violence legislative regime did not need a major overhaul. The Act therefore aims to strengthen the current regime to provide better protection to domestic violence victims." The main changes are to the Domestic Violence Act 1995, the Care of Children Act 2004, the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Bail Act 2000.
Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill
Public submissions are now being invited on the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 27 February 2009
The bill amends the Domestic Violence Act 1995, the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Bail Act 2000. The key enforcement initiative is the introduction of an "on the spot" order issued by the Police for the purpose of protecting victims of domestic violence.
