Queensland draws the line: Coercive control now a crime

Recent amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1899 establish Hannah's Law - the offence of coercive control - in Queensland.

For the first time, coercive control is recognised as a criminal offence in the Queensland jurisdiction, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. These reforms acknowledge the serious harm and enduring impact that coercive control can have on victim-survivors.

What is "coercive control"?

In Queensland, a coercive control offence occurs when:

1. an adult is in a domestic relationship, being a current or former interpersonal relationship, with another person;
2. the adult engages in a repeated course of conduct against that person which constitutes domestic violence;
3. the conduct is intended to coerce or control the other person; and
4. the behaviour is, in all the circumstances, reasonably likely to cause the other person harm.

What is "domestic violence'?

Domestic violence is defined as behaviour that is physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically or economically abusive. It also includes actions that are threatening, coercive or controlling, and that cause a person to fear for their own safety or wellbeing, or that of someone else.

The amendments outline specific examples of domestic violence, including emotional, psychological and economic abuse. These examples directly target behaviours traditionally understood as coercive control, such as:

1. monitoring or regulating a person’s daily activities;
2. humiliating, degrading, or punishing a person;
3. preventing access to joint financial assets needed for everyday household expenses, without lawful excuse;
4. preventing a person from seeking or keeping employment;
5. coercing a person to relinquish control over their income or assets;
6. coercing someone to sign business documents, contracts or powers of attorney;
7. threatening to disclose a person’s sexual orientation or immigration status;
8. repeatedly contacting, following, or surveilling a person to intimidate or harass them;
9. preventing a person from participating in cultural or spiritual practices, or connecting with their community or support services; and
10. monitoring or tracking a person’s movements, activities or relationships, especially through technology. This may involve reading their messages, checking emails, internet history, or social media, or using GPS devices, cameras, or smart home technology to observe their behaviour.

Consultation meets reform

These legislative amendments are a direct response by the Queensland Government to the findings of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce (Taskforce). Formed in March 2021 and led by the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, the Taskforce investigated coercive control and broader issues related to domestic and family violence within the Queensland community. In December 2021, the Taskforce published the first of two reports, Hear Her Voice – Report One: Addressing Coercive Control and Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland . Among its 89 recommendations was the introduction of a new criminal offence specifically targeting coercive control.

The changes came into effect on 26 May 2025 and only apply to abusive conduct occurring in Queensland from this date. The offence of coercive control already exists in New South Wales, and it is expected that the remaining Australian states will soon introduce similar legislation.

Why this matters in family law

Recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), introduced through the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth), clarify that the economic impact of family violence must be considered in property settlement proceedings. These reforms include a detailed list of behaviours that constitute economic and financial abuse, such as sabotaging employment, controlling access to finances and coercing a partner into debt or dowry-related transactions. The family courts are now required to assess how the abuse has affected a party’s ability to contribute to the relationship as well as the impact on their future financial needs. Importantly, the amendments focus on the effect of coercive and controlling behaviours, rather than simply the existence of family violence. To find out more about these changes, effective from 10 June 2025, please see our earlier article here.

For more information on how the recent amendments to both the family law and criminal law may impact you and your family, please contact our experienced Family & Relationship Law team.