From 26 May 2025, Queensland has ushered in a new era of transparency and accountability in the justice system with the full commencement of the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024. Among a suite of significant reforms, one major change stands out for the media and the public: accredited media entities can now apply for access to transcripts of proceedings for domestic violence order (DVO) applications.
What does this mean?
Accredited media entities are now able to apply to the court for a transcript of a DVO application proceeding under Section 32, which inserts new sections 157D and 157E into the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (DFVP). This access is designed to promote open justice and enable more balanced, accurate reporting on domestic and family violence matters, while still protecting the privacy and safety of those involved.
Why this Matters?
This reform allows the public to better understand how domestic violence cases are handled, strengthening transparency and increasing trust in the legal system. It also boosts accountability, as media scrutiny can help ensure that the justice system is working as intended and highlight areas needing improvement. By allowing media access to transcript (with de-identification requirements), reporting on domestic violence cases can be more accurate and informative, helping to educate the community while respecting victim privacy.
Safeguards remain in place
Strict safeguards remain in place, and the court retains the discretion to approve or deny transcript requests from media. Any reporting must strictly adhere to de-identification rules to prevent the exposure of victims, witnesses, or children. These measures strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the safety and dignity of those affected by domestic violence.
Broader Context
This change is part of a broader package of reforms. to come out of the Not now, not ever report, including the criminalisation of coercive control and the introduction of an affirmative consent model. These reforms respond to recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce and are designed to modernise Queensland’s approach to domestic and family violence, sexual offences, and victim protection.
Being a party to a domestic violence application can have profound impact on a person’s life. At our firm, we understand the sensitive and serious nature of domestic violence orders and are committed to providing compassionate yet robust legal advocacy for our clients. Our experienced solicitors represent clients across New South Wales, Tasmania, the Gold Coast, North Queensland, and throughout Australia, ensuring they receive fair treatment and a thorough defence in court. If you are facing an application for a domestic violence order, contact our criminal defence team today for a confidential consultation. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Our team are experts in criminal law. Our role is to sit down with you and work out the strategy that will get you the best possible result. If you have any questions about this article or any other topic of law, please call our team of experts on 1300 066 669.
