Earlier this month, Queensland introduced important changes to its domestic and family violence laws. These changes came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are designed to give police stronger tools to respond quickly to domestic violence situations.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by domestic violence – or has had contact with police in this context – it’s important to understand how these new laws work and what they mean in practice.
A New On-the-Spot Protection Order: Police Protection Directions (PPDs)
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Police Protection Directions, commonly referred to as PPDs.
A PPD is a legal direction issued by police that requires a person (called the respondent) to not commit domestic violence and follow any additional conditions set by police.
Unlike court-ordered domestic violence orders, a PPD can be issued immediately by police, without going to court first. Once issued, it can remain in place for up to 12 months.
Breaching a PPD Is Now a Criminal Offence
Since the new laws started earlier this month, breaching a PPD is a criminal offence.
The penalties are serious and can include a fine of up to $20,028, or up to three years in prison. This means anyone issued with a PPD needs to fully understand the conditions and take them very seriously.
When Can Police Issue a PPD?
Police can issue a PPD if they reasonably believe that:
● Domestic violence has occurred;
● A PPD is needed to protect the affected person (and anyone else named); and
● Going straight to court for a protection order is not the better option in that situation.
This gives police the ability to step in quickly where they believe there is an immediate risk.
When Does a PPD Start and How Long Does It Last?
A PPD starts straight away when it is served on the respondent or police tell the respondent about the PPD and its conditions.
Once it starts, a PPD can stay in place for up to 12 months, unless it is changed, reviewed, or cancelled earlier.
When Police Cannot Issue a PPD
There are situations where police should not issue a PPD. For example, a PPD generally cannot be issued if police believe that:
- Either person involved is a child or a police officer;
- The respondent should be taken into custody;
- The parties already have (or previously had) a domestic violence order in place;
- The respondent has:
- Already been named on a PPD;
- A recent domestic violence conviction;
- Used or threatened to use a weapon;
- Ongoing domestic violence court proceedings;
- Both people may need protection; or
- Police cannot clearly identify who needs protection most.
These limits are in place to make sure PPDs are used appropriately and not as a one-size-fits-all response.
Can Children Be Included in a PPD?
Yes. Police can name a child as a protected person under a PPD if they believe it is necessary to protect the child from being exposed to domestic violence.
However, this can only happen if the child is not already covered by a Family Law Order or a care order or agreement under child protection laws. Because of the potential impact on parenting arrangements, this is an area where legal advice is especially important.
Can a PPD Be Reviewed or Challenged?
Yes. A PPD can be reviewed if needed. An affected person can apply to the Commissioner of Police within 28 days of the PPD starting; and/or apply to the Magistrates Court within 12 months.
If the matter goes to the Magistrates Court, the PPD automatically turns into an application for a domestic violence protection order. The court may then decide whether to make a final order that can last up to five years.
Why Getting Legal Advice Early Matters
Police have long had some powers to issue temporary protection notices, but the changes introduced earlier this month go much further.
PPDs start immediately, can last for a full year and may include conditions that affect parenting, communication, and family law matters – even when no court orders exist.
For that reason, anyone affected by a PPD – whether you are the person needing protection, the person named in the order, or someone else listed – should get legal advice as early as possible.
Early advice can help you understand exactly what the PPD does and does not allow, avoiding accidentally breaching the order. It also gives you the chance to ask for conditions or exemptions where needed (for example, to deal with children or family law issues) and decide whether a review or court application is appropriate – and make sure important time limits are not missed.
Final Thoughts
The changes that came into effect earlier this month are intended to improve safety and allow police to respond more quickly to domestic violence. But they also come with serious legal consequences.
If a Police Protection Direction has been issued since 1 January 2026, getting clear legal advice early can make a significant difference – both in protecting your safety and in protecting your legal position.
