The Queensland government promised to put victims first. Instead it buried a report from domestic violence survivors

The Queensland government promised to put victims: Queensland's Domestic Violence Report Hidden Despite Promises to Prioritize Victims Wanderstayfinder.com

Queensland’s Domestic Violence Report Hidden Despite Promises to Prioritize Victims

Wanderstayfinder.com – Despite repeated assurances that victims would be central to justice reforms, the Queensland government has kept a significant report from domestic violence survivors under wraps. The document, produced by a working group of people with lived experience of domestic, family, and sexual violence, offered pointed criticism of how police handle these cases and recommended establishing a civilian-led review mechanism for escalating complaints against law enforcement.

A Working Group’s Findings Remain Confidential

The Liberal National government had positioned itself as committed to placing victims at the heart of the state’s justice policies. In the first months of 2025, officials assembled a panel composed of individuals who had personally experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence. Their mission was to identify systemic gaps and provide guidance for meaningful reforms.

When the working group was announced, domestic and family violence prevention minister Amanda Camm issued a statement that took aim at the previous Labor administration, accusing it of failing to implement crucial recommendations on the issue. The panel completed its work by December, yet a summary document containing its recommendations has never been made available to the public.

When Guardian Australia requested the report this week, Camm’s office declined to release it. However, the news organization obtained a copy of the summary report, which indicated it was “developed for broader distribution” and designed to address any concerns regarding victim-survivor confidentiality. Panel members have agreed not to speak publicly about their process.

One source said on condition of anonymity: “You can say all that you want about being tough on crime and putting victims first, but if it doesn’t come with CCTV footage for the news, then it’s clearly not a government priority.”

Police Reforms Under Scrutiny

Those familiar with the situation suggest the government’s hesitation stems from the report’s strong criticisms of police, particularly its calls for independent oversight. Since the LNP took power, the Queensland Police Service has eliminated its specialist domestic and family violence command. Additionally, a reform plan was released stating that domestic and family violence case management was not considered “core business.”

Police have received expanded authority to issue “on the spot” directions, a development that has raised serious concerns among women’s advocates. Meanwhile, recommendations from multiple reports highlighting problems with police responses to domestic violence have stalled. Among these is a long-delayed proposal to create a civilian-led police integrity unit responsible for handling complaints.

What the Report Revealed About Policing

The leaked report by the victim-survivor working group dedicates its opening and most comprehensive section to policing matters. It characterized police responses as “inconsistent” and influenced by “limited understanding and attitudinal concerns.” The document noted that policing approaches were frequently shaped by individual officer attitudes rather than “consistent operational approaches.”

“Victim-survivors reported delays in police responses, reporting processes and follow up actions,” it said. “Some members felt breaches of DVOs were minimised or not treated with the level of seriousness expected.”

The report further identified an “entrenched culture within policing” as a significant concern, describing it as characterized by inconsistent identification of breaches and the application of personal judgement, which undermined consistent and appropriate responses for victim-survivors.

Broad Recommendations for Systemic Change

The panel put forward several recommendations concerning police responses, including calls for the state to adopt nationally standard risk assessment tools and implement better victim-centred practices. It also advocated for “a civilian review mechanism for escalating concerns about inadequate police responses.”

Beyond policing, the report made extensive recommendations covering child protection, mental health, housing, the legal system, and specialist domestic and family violence services. It specifically called for “efforts to address ongoing experiences of systemic racism.”

When Guardian Australia approached Camm on Monday to inquire why no report or recommendations had been made public, and whether the minister would release them, her office declined the request without providing a written response. When questioned again about the report on Tuesday, Camm did not address why it had not been released. Instead, she sent a statement emphasizing that the government had made a “record high” investment in domestic and family violence prevention and planned to deliver more services, police, and affordable housing.

“It is correct to report, following Labor’s decade of decline, the Crisafulli Government has given a voice to victims of domestic and family violence and has prioritised”