The Queensland government promised to put victims first. Instead it buried a report from domestic violence survivors

The Queensland government has failed to uphold its promise to prioritize victims of domestic violence, according to a leaked internal report compiled by a working group of survivor-experts. The findings, which were developed for broader distribution and included sensitive information about victim confidentiality, remain hidden from the public despite repeated assurances from the government that it would place victims at the center of policy decisions. The report criticized police responses to domestic violence cases and recommended sweeping changes, including the establishment of a civilian review mechanism to address concerns about inadequate police action. The working group, composed of individuals with firsthand experience of domestic, family, and sexual violence, was formed in early 2025 under the leadership of the domestic and family violence prevention minister, Amanda Camm. The initiative followed criticism of the previous Labor government for failing to implement key recommendations aimed at improving support for victims. Camm's office initially praised the effort, emphasizing the importance of involving survivors in shaping policy. However, the final summary report, completed in December, has yet to be officially released. A request by The Guardian Australia to obtain the document was denied, and the ministry has not responded to further inquiries regarding transparency. The report highlights deep-seated issues within Queensland’s law enforcement systems. It states that police responses to domestic violence incidents are inconsistent and influenced more by individual officer attitudes than by standardized procedures. Victim-survivors described delays in reporting, follow-up actions, and the handling of domestic violence orders. Some participants expressed frustration over how breaches of these orders were sometimes downplayed or not taken seriously. The report also pointed to an entrenched culture within policing that prioritizes personal judgment over objective, evidence-based decision-making, leading to uneven treatment of victims. Among the most controversial aspects of the report is its call for a civilian review mechanism to oversee police performance in domestic violence cases. This recommendation aligns with broader calls for greater accountability and oversight in policing, particularly following recent reforms that have shifted responsibility away from specialized units focused on domestic violence. Since the Liberal National Party took power, the Queensland Police Service has dismantled its dedicated domestic and family violence command and instead emphasized general policing functions. In addition, new powers have been granted to officers to make immediate decisions, a move that has raised alarms among advocacy groups who fear it could compromise due process and safety for vulnerable individuals. The report also extends beyond policing, offering recommendations for systemic change across multiple sectors. It urges improvements in child protection services, mental health care, housing access, and legal representation for survivors. It also addresses the impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities, calling for targeted efforts to dismantle discriminatory practices. These proposals reflect a comprehensive vision for reform, one that goes far beyond incremental adjustments and demands fundamental shifts in how institutions respond to domestic violence. Despite the gravity of these findings, the government has shown little willingness to engage with the report’s conclusions. Camm’s office declined to comment on the status of the report or whether it will ever be made public. Advocacy organizations have expressed disappointment, noting that the lack of transparency undermines trust in the government’s commitment to protecting victims. Meanwhile, some insiders suggest that the suppression of the report is linked to its direct criticism of police conduct and its challenge to existing institutional structures. As the debate over domestic violence response continues, the absence of official acknowledgment of the report raises serious questions about the priorities of Queensland’s current administration.