Key Changes to Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Laws Effective 1 January 2026

The commencement of the new year brings significant changes to Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) legislative framework. Many of these reforms are designed to strengthen early intervention and improve protections for victims of domestic violence.

We previously discussed several of these anticipated reforms in our 2025 article, Proposed Changes to Queensland Domestic Violence Law – What Do These New Changes Mean? (read here).

One of the most notable changes taking effect from 1 January 2026 is the introduction of Police Protection Directions (PPDs).

What Is a Police Protection Direction (PPD)?

From 1 January 2026, Queensland Police will have the power to issue a Police Protection Direction (PPD) in certain domestic violence situations.

A PPD is a legally enforceable direction that sets out conditions a respondent must comply with. Importantly, police can issue a PPD without first applying to the court for a Police Protection Order.

Once served, a PPD can remain in force for up to 12 months.

Failure to comply with the conditions of a PPD is a criminal offence, and a respondent may be charged for contravening the direction.

When Can Police Issue a PPD?

A police officer may issue a PPD where they reasonably believe that:

1. The respondent and the aggrieved are in a relevant relationship;
2. The respondent has committed an act of domestic violence against the aggrieved;
3. The PPD is necessary and desirable; and
4. It would not be more appropriate for a protection order application to be made directly to the court.

The purpose of PPDs is to allow police—who are often the first responders—to provide immediate protection and support to victims of domestic violence. These directions are intended to streamline the protection process and reduce delays associated with court applications.

When Can Police Not Issue a PPD?

Although PPDs are designed to simplify the protection process, they are not intended to replace the court system in all cases. Police are prohibited from issuing a PPD in certain circumstances, including where:

• The aggrieved or respondent is a child or a police officer;
• The respondent should be taken into custody for the domestic violence incident;
• There is, or has previously been, a protection order or interstate order between the same parties;
• There is, or has previously been, a PPD against the respondent;
• The respondent has been convicted of a domestic violence offence within the past two years;
• There is an unresolved criminal domestic violence proceeding against the respondent;
• There is an unresolved application for a protection order before the court;
• The respondent used, or threatened to use, a weapon or object;
• Police believe both parties require protection but cannot determine who is most in need; or
• Police believe a child requires additional protection that cannot be adequately addressed by a PPD.

When Does a PPD End?

A PPD remains in force for 12 months from the date it is served or verbally issued by police.

A PPD may end earlier if:

1. Police or a court revokes the PPD;
2. A Protection Order (DVO) or Police Protection Notice is issued for the same parties;
3. An application for a protection order is filed in court for the same parties; or
4. An application for a protection order is dismissed or adjourned without a temporary protection order being made.

What Should You Do If You Are Served With a PPD?

If you have been served with a PPD and do not agree with the direction or its conditions, you may seek a review in one of two ways:

1. Police Review
2. Court Review

It is essential to obtain legal advice before choosing a review pathway, as each option carries different legal and practical consequences.

Police Review

A respondent may apply for a police review within 28 days of being served with a PPD. The application must be lodged with the Queensland Police Service using the approved form.

If the application is filed outside the 28-day timeframe, an extension must be sought and will be considered at the discretion of the reviewing officer.

Following the review, police may decide to:

• Confirm the PPD;
• Revoke the PPD with no further action (meaning it is taken never to have existed and will not form part of the respondent’s DV history);
• Revoke the PPD and issue a new PPD with amended conditions;
• Revoke the PPD and apply for a protection order or issue a Police Protection Notice; or
• Take other action under section 100(3) of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act.

Court Review

Alternatively, a respondent may apply to the Magistrates Court for a review of the PPD.

During the court review process, the PPD remains in force, and all conditions must be strictly complied with.

Once a court review application is filed, police will automatically file the PPD as an application for a protection order against the respondent. The court may then:

• Make a final protection order (typically for five years);
• Make a temporary protection order while the matter is determined; or
• Determine the outcome of the PPD review.

In these circumstances, the PPD will end.

The court may also:

• Order that the PPD end on a specified date (remaining on the respondent’s DV history);
• Set aside the PPD entirely (removing it from the respondent’s DV history); or
• Dismiss the review application, allowing the PPD to continue.

Seek the Right Legal Advice

Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence laws are complex and have undergone substantial reform in recent years. If you have been served with a Police Protection Direction or approached by police regarding a domestic violence matter, obtaining timely legal advice is critical.

While the issuance of a PPD or protection order is not itself a criminal offence, breaching the conditions is, and can result in serious criminal consequences. These orders may also impact employment, professional licensing, blue card eligibility, and weapons licences.

Contact our Criminal Law team today via (07) 4771 5664 or submit a Criminal Law Enquiry via the form at the end of this page.

The team at Connolly Suthers has extensive experience in Domestic and Family Violence matters and regularly appears in the Domestic Violence Specialist Court to assist clients navigating these complex issues.