The Allan Labor Government has rejected laws to criminalise coercive control in a move Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says falls well short of community expectations and shows a frightening lack of awareness.
The Crimes Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2025, introduced by the Liberals and Nationals, would have created a standalone offence with a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment for patterns of emotional, psychological, financial or physical abuse, threats, isolation, or surveillance.
Ms Benham said the legislation would finally give victims protection from harmful behaviours beyond physical violence.
“Victoria is facing a family violence crisis. Serious assaults have surged more than 23 per cent, breaches of family violence orders are up nearly 17 per cent, and threatening behaviour has risen 9 per cent in the past year alone. This is unacceptable, and urgent reform cannot wait.”
Ms Benham said the Government’s response to the Bill in parliament was deeply disappointing.
“We asked for debate. We asked for the opportunity to put this issue above politics. Instead, the Government dismissed it and labelled it a political stunt. That is completely unacceptable,” she said.
My contribution to parliament on this Bill can be viewed at Private Members Bill – Coercive Control – 3rd December 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS7vrTrWaDA
