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    Non-fatal strangulation review

    On 11 April 2025, we released our consultation paper (PDF, 2.8 MB).

    We seek submissions before 6 June 2025. Submissions may be made by email at: qlrc-nfsreview@justice.qld.gov.au. An online submissions form will be available soon.

    On 5 September 2024 the Queensland Government asked us to examine and make recommendations about the offence of non-fatal strangulation in a domestic setting in section 315A of the Criminal Code, and applicable procedural rules and practices.

    We have been asked to recommend whether:

    • the terms ‘chokes’, ‘suffocates’ and ‘strangles’ should be defined and, if so, in what way
    • the requirement that the choking, suffocation or strangulation must occur ‘without the other person’s consent’ should be removed or amended
    • the offence should apply to conduct that is not committed between those in a domestic relationship, or is not ‘associated domestic violence’ under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012
    • the current maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment reflects the gravity of the conduct
    • the offence should be able to be finalised in the Magistrates Court.

    Meetings and forums

    We will be travelling across Queensland from April until June 2025 to hear a wide range of perspectives.

    Our upcoming travel schedule is:

    DateLocation
    23 AprBeenleigh
    28 Apr –
    1 May    		Central Queensland (including Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Woorabinda)
    6 MayLegal practitioners roundtable
    7 MayGoondiwindi
    8 MayToowoomba
    12 MayIpswich
    13 MayHealth stakeholders roundtable
    19 – 23 MayCairns and Townsville
    19 – 23 MayTorres Strait Islands and Bamaga
    26 MayAcademic roundtable
    26 – 29 MayWide Bay Burnett
    16 – 19 JuneCape (including Aurukun, Coen, Hopevale, Cooktown, Wujal Wujal and Mossman)

    Thank you to those who attended previous meetings and forums.

    Terms of reference

    The terms of reference (PDF, 428.6 KB) from the Attorney-General are available to download.

    Launch event

    On Tuesday 26 November 2024, the QLRC launched this review with a webinar that coincided with the release of the first background paper and supporting materials.

    More information about the launch event and a recording of the webinar are now available.

    Project timeline

    The review started on 5 September 2024.

    We released a background paper on 26 November 2024 to provide information on topics relevant to the review and prompt discussion.

    We published a consultation paper on 11 April 2025. It includes questions for consultation and asks for submissions by 6 June 2025.

    Our final report with recommendations will be given to the Government by 30 September 2025.

    More information

    If you would like more information on the non-fatal strangulation section 315A review, email: qlrc-nfsreview@justice.qld.gov.au

    To stay informed about the review, subscribe here.