#AUSTRALIA: Queensland Toughens Domestic Abuse Laws

[world politics news]

A package of domestic violence reforms passed in the Queensland state parliament will strengthen protection for victims.

The changes will expand the definition of domestic and family abuse to include a "pattern of behavior" and will strengthen the offense of stalking.

The amendments also strengthen the court's ability to consider previous domestic violence or criminal history and to award costs to avoid further abuse to victims.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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#AUSTRALIA: Queensland Parliament to Lower "Discriminatory" Consent Age For Certain Sex Acts To 16

[world politics news]

New laws will be introduced this week into Queensland's parliament to standardize the age of consent for all sexual acts. Currently, the age of consent for anal sex is 18, while other sexual acts can take place legally with consent at 16. Queensland is the only state in Australia where there is a disparity, which the government says discriminates against gay men.

#AUSTRALIA: Queensland MP Booted From Labor Pty After Hiding Criminal Record, Abuse Allegations

[world politics news]

Queensland's minority Labor government may fall after booting MP Billy Gordon from the party after it learned he had undisclosed criminal convictions and allegations of domestic abuse. He remains in parliament as as an independent.

#AUSTRALIA: Early Results Show "Extraordinary" Win For Labor Pty in Queensland Election

[world politics news]

Deeply unpopular Liberal/National Party Premier Campbell Newman has lost to the daughter of a former Queensland Labor minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was thought unlikely to win following a disastrous 2012 election for Labor, which had just 7 seats left in the state's parliament.