Protection for partners

THIRTY-ONE women have died from domestic and intimate partner violence this year.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes has said now is the time for Noosa to act, and was pushing for new legislation to be introduced in Queensland to help protect vulnerable women.
Mr Elmes is backing a call for a new law that would allow anyone worried about a loved one in an intimate relationship to access information about someone’s violent past and crimes.
Known as Clare’s Law, the legislation was trialled in the UK throughout 2012 and 2013 across four police commands and police recorded a total of 386 applications with 111 disclosures made.
Between March 2014 and January 2015 there were at least 3760 applications under Clare’s Law resulting in 1335 disclosures when the law was rolled out to 40 police commands.
Based on the Clare’s Law model, which was set-up after the death of a woman in the UK named Clare Wood, a person who has concerns about his or her partner would be able to make an application to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for information on whether their partner has a history of domestic violence or sexual offences, according to the consultation paper.
The disclosure scheme is also extended to friends and family members, such as parents making an application if they have concerns about their child’s partner.
The State Opposition has launched a consultation paper on the UK trial of Clare’s Law, and Mr Elmes is asking locals to have their say on whether they would like to see the legislation introduced in Queensland.
Mr Elmes said he welcomed the opportunity for locals to have their say and was urging people to get involved.
“The time is right for the Noosa community to be part of a meaningful conversation about the scourge of domestic violence,” he said.
“Only by working together can we develop effective policy to lead the way in stamping out this insidious crime.”
Anyone who would like to provide feedback can complete an online form at www.clareslawqld.com