Stronger protections for domestic violence survivors

Survivors of domestic violence have greater protection from the threat of explosives after stronger security and safety laws were put in place.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said people with domestic violence orders against them would no longer be able to hold an explosives licence in Queensland.

“We’ve introduced a new Explosives Security Clearance that will see enhanced criminal history checks performed before security sensitive explosives licences, such as blasting licences, are issued,” he said.

“The Explosives Inspectorate will be working closely with the Queensland Police Services to continuously monitor Security Clearance holders.

“Security clearance and explosives licences will be suspended or cancelled for any current or future domestic violence orders.”

Dr Lynham said the changes aligned with recommendations presented to the Government in the Not Now, Not Ever report of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue, and the Queensland Government is taking serious steps to address it and protect survivors,” he said.

Stronger laws for the transportation of explosives are now also in place to keep communities safe while explosive materials are on the road.

“Queensland has also introduced a new Explosives Driver Licence that requires drivers to be 21 or over, have adequate training and experience, also have no Domestic Violence Orders against them,” Dr Lynham said.

“There’s also stronger regulations regarding the transportation and storing of potentially dangerous materials, and the Explosives Inspectorate now has greater control over explosives transport routes and plans.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer welcomed the new laws, and said this action would build on the Palaszczuk Government’s already strong action to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government has done more than any government before it to address the scourge of domestic and family violence,” she said.

“Last year we completed all 140 recommendations from the landmark Not Now, Not Ever report which is great progress.

“We’ve brought in tough new laws and increased penalties, including tougher penalties for first time and subsequent breaches of DVOs and the new criminal offence of non-lethal strangulation.

“These news laws which prevent known domestic violence offenders from holding an explosives licence is another way we are continuing to hold offenders to account.

“But there is always more to do, and we are more determined than ever that no Queenslander should to live with violence in their homes.”

Queensland Chief Inspector of Explosives, Alex Mandl, said safety was paramount and the new laws would help ensure explosives don’t end up in the wrong hands.

“The Inspectorate’s number one priority is to keep the community safe and these changes will help us do that,” he said.

“Government, the Inspectorate and industry have worked together to develop and deliver these practical, reasonable and significant security improvements.”

The new regulatory, safety and licensing requirements follow changes to Queensland’s explosives legislation introduced in March 2019. Transitional provisions are in place regarding both the security clearance and drivers licence for existing applications and explosives licence holders.

[ENDS]                       Media inquiries: Michael Saunders 0428411617