Queensland Government Buried Domestic Violence Report: Key Findin 2026

The Queensland government has buried the findings of its own working group of domestic violence victim-survivors after their report was heavily critical of police responses and called for a “civilian review mechanism” to escalate complaints about police. The Liberal National government has repeatedly said it would “put victims at the heart” of the state’s justice policies, yet this report reveals a stark disconnect between rhetoric and action.

What the Domestic Violence Survivor Report Reveals

The working group, convened in early 2025 by the domestic and family violence prevention minister Amanda Camm, included people with lived experience of domestic, family and sexual violence. Their goal was to identify gaps in the system and guide reforms. However, the summary report—completed in December—has never been released to the public.

Guardian Australia obtained a copy of the report, which explicitly states it was “developed for broader distribution.” The document includes strong criticisms of police responses and calls for an independent oversight mechanism. Panel members have been silenced, unable to speak publicly about the process.

Police Response Under Scrutiny

Since the LNP government took office, the Queensland police service has scrapped its specialist domestic and family violence command and released a reform plan stating that domestic and family violence case management was not “core business.” This shift has alarmed advocates and survivors alike.

Key Takeaways from the Buried Report

• Civilian oversight of police is urgently needed to address systemic failures.
• The government’s “victims first” promise is contradicted by suppressing survivor voices.
• Scrapping the domestic violence command undermines safety for vulnerable Queenslanders.
• Transparency in policy-making is essential for trust and effective reform.

Why the Government Refuses to Release the Report

Sources familiar with the process believe the government’s reluctance stems from the document’s prominent criticisms of police, including calls for independent oversight. One anonymous source stated: “You can say all that you want about being tough on crime and putting victims first, but if it doesn’t come with CCTV footage for the news, then it’s clearly not a government priority.”

This pattern of suppression raises serious questions about the LNP’s commitment to domestic violence reform. The report’s recommendations remain hidden, while survivors who contributed their experiences are left without a platform.

FAQ

This situation highlights a critical need for transparency and accountability in domestic violence policy. Victims deserve to have their voices heard, not buried. The government must release the report and implement its recommendations to truly put victims first.