Queensland to reform coercive control laws as public awareness continues through literature
Contributed by Val France
QUEENSLAND is set to implement groundbreaking coercive control laws on May 26 2025, marking a significant step in combating domestic and family violence (DFV).
The legislation comes as public awareness of coercive control grows, fuelled by stories like those of Australian author Jane Caro AM, who is visiting Maleny this month.
Her bestselling novel The Mother follows the story of Miriam as she watches her daughter Ally become consumed by a controlling partner. Miriam becomes increasingly alarmed as Ally’s life is overtaken by her partner’s manipulative tactics, isolating her from family and friends — echoing the lived experiences of many Australians.
The new laws target these very behaviours — emotional, psychological and financial manipulation — that aim to dominate, isolate, or control a partner, with penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Jane Caro’s latest novel Lyrebird also explores gendered violence and social injustice through the lens of a compelling psychological thriller.
These fictional stories, and others that share similar subject matter, help bring to the public sphere the insidious nature of coercive control and the devastating impact it has on victims and their loved ones.
Advocacy groups, including Maleny-based Speak Up Now – Stop Domestic Violence, have welcomed the legislation, calling it a vital step in recognising non-physical abuse and empowering victims.
Group representatives will also be in attendance at a special DFV-related panel event at the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival. The event, What Lies Beneath, will be held on Sunday May 4, from 3.30–4.30pm at Maleny Showgrounds, chaired by Priscilla Thorpe of IFYS.
It will feature authors Martine Kropkowski (Everywhere We Look) and Jo Skinner (A World of Silence), whose works explore the emotional toll of abuse and the strength of female relationships in the face of silence and suffering.
Queensland’s reform sets a powerful precedent for the nation — prioritising the protection of vulnerable individuals and fostering a culture of respect and equality.