Domestic violence initiatives announced in the 2015 Queensland budget include:
- The trial of a specialist Domestic and Family Violence Magistrates Court with a dedicated magistrate to commence in Southport in September.
- Additional funding of $3 million over four years from 2015-16, including $2.1 million to establish an independent Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board, and expand the Domestic and Family Violence Review Unit.
- Funding of $1.1 million in this financial year to expand the Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer Service to 14 locations through Legal Aid Queensland.
- $8 million over two years to establish dedicated 72-hour crisis shelters in Brisbane and Townsville, and a further $11.9 million over four years to operate the shelters.
- $3 million towards a national campaign to reduce violence against women and their children.
The measures form part of the Government’s response to the Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland report by the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence, chaired by Dame Quentin Bryce.