Non-fatal strangulation review
On 11 April 2025, we released our consultation paper .
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:
| Date | Location |
| 14 Apr | DFSV and community stakeholders roundtable Register to attend in Brisbane in person |
| 14 – 15 Apr | Mt Isa |
| 16 Apr | Cloncurry |
| 22 Apr | Gold Coast |
| 23 Apr | Beenleigh |
| 28 Apr – 1 May | Central Queensland (including Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Woorabinda) |
| 6 May | Legal practitioners roundtable |
| 7 May | Goondiwindi |
| 8 May | Toowoomba |
| 12 May | Ipswich |
| 13 May | Health stakeholders roundtable |
| 19 – 23 May | Cairns and Townsville |
| 19 – 23 May | Torres Strait Islands and Bamaga |
| 26 May | Academic roundtable |
| 26 – 29 May | Wide Bay Burnett |
| 16 – 19 June | Cape (including Aurukun, Coen, Hopevale, Cooktown, Wujal Wujal and Mossman) |
Terms of reference
The terms of reference 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
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