From 1 January 2026, Queensland has introduced further changes to domestic violence laws, with police now having the power to issue onthespot orders, known as police protection directions (PPDs). PPDs are not considered by a court before being in place and were introduced to provide immediate safety and protection, without an officer first needing to make a court application.

What this means is that police now have the power (in consultation with a specially trained police officer) to put in place an order with certain conditions. This remains in place for a period of 12 months unless revoked or ended by the court. 

The conditions police now have the power to put in place for a period of 12 months include:

1. an order requiring you to be of good behaviour to the aggrieved person;
2. an order that you not have contact with the aggrieved person (including in person or by telephone or other electronic means);
3. leaving, and staying away from, certain locations, including a shared home regardless of whether your name is on the rental agreement, lease or title, either for the entire 12 month period or a shorter period (known as a cooling down period). 

Under these new laws, the PPD is enforceable from the date you are given a copy or told about it by police and you can be held criminally responsible for breaching the order. The maximum penalty for contravening a PPD is 120 penalty units (currently $20,028) or 3 years imprisonment. 

Police are able to issue a PPD when all of the following apply: 

1. there is a relevant relationship, such as a partner, expartner, family member or informal carer;
2. where police have formed a reasonable belief that an act of domestic violence has occurred;
3. where police are of the view that a PPD is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved; and
4. applying to the court for a protection order is not more appropriate than issuing a PPD at the time. 

Police are not able to issue a PPD where:

1. either of the parties is a child or a police officer;
2. the respondent should be taken into custody;
3. there is an existing or previous protection order or interstate order between the parties;
4. there is an existing or previous PPD involving the respondent (whether with the same or different aggrieved person);
5. the respondent has a domestic violence conviction within the last two years;
6. there is an ongoing domestic violence criminal matter;
7. there is a current protection order application in court;
8. a weapon was used or threatened during the incident;
9. police believe both parties need protection but cannot identify the primary victim; and/or
10. a child requires additional protection that cannot be addressed through a PPD.

A PPD will be in place and be enforceable unless:

1. police or a court revokes it;
2. a protection order (DVO) or police protection notice (PPN) is issued for the same parties;
3. a protection order application is lodged in court; and/or 
4. a protection order application is dismissed or adjourned without a temporary order.

Once you are served with a PPD, you or the other party can apply to the court for the PPD to be reviewed by the court. It is important to remember that the conditions of the PPD remain in place until the court revokes or ends the PPD, or unless otherwise ordered by the court. 

As a respondent, applying to the court for a review of the PPD also allows you to file your own application for protection, should you believe you are the person most in need of protection.

The new laws regarding PPDs is a significant departure from the usual approach, where there is court oversight of police decisions. Unless a party files in the Magistrates Court, the PPD remains in place. It is important to receive legal advice on a PPD, whether you are served a copy as the aggrieved or the respondent. Best Wilson Buckley specialise in family law, including domestic and family violence matters, and remain ready to assist you with advice or representation to apply to the court if required. 

What you should do if you are served with a PPD:

1. Read the PPD carefully and ensure you understand the conditions that have been imposed. Ask questions of the officer if you do not understand any of the conditions. 
2. If you have not been provided a copy and have only been told about the existence of the PPD, make sure you make notes about the conditions that have been imposed and note the name of the officer and what police station they work at. 
3. Whether you agree with the PPD or not, you should seek legal advice on the PPD and whether a review should be lodged. 

If you have been served with a PPD, are the one being protected by a PPD, or need assistance in relation to domestic and family violence, we are here to support you.  Contact us online or on 1300 052 224 to arrange a no obligation consultation or book directly with one of our experienced family lawyers.