Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

85 The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK ().6 September 2022). Of the following reforms which were under consideration by the former government:

Expanding the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme to include 'Right to Know' requests. This would mandate proactive disclosures by police to those deemed to be at risk of domestic and family violence. It builds on the current 'Right to Ask' model, which the Marshall Liberal government committed $1.9 million to trial.

Potential further amendments to South Australia's intervention order scheme to include supervision and reporting requirements.

Exploring the development of a domestic violence offender's register, with a requirement for perpetrators to disclose this in certain circumstances.

Coercive control.

1. Are these reforms being considered under the new government?

2. Which agency has policy lead—AGD or the Office for Women?

3. Is the minister able to provide an update?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and the Attorney-General have advised:

The Malinauskas Labor government took to the election a comprehensive policy to address a range of critical issues facing South Australian women in achieving gender equality and to work to prevent and end the scourge of domestic, sexual and family violence. The government has committed to strengthening laws around domestic abuse through legislating to electronically monitor domestic violence defendants on bail, to make the experience of domestic violence a ground of discrimination, and to criminalise coercive control.

The Office for Women and the Attorney-General's Department are working collaboratively to amend the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 to criminalise coercive control, and to pursue other legislative changes to deal with perpetrators and improve women's safety. The Attorney-General is considering the expansion of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Targeted consultation will be undertaken to engage key groups including women who have experienced domestic and family violence. Work is ongoing in relation to the Malinauskas government's election commitment to criminalise coercive control and putting an end to this insidious form of abuse.