Coercive Control

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:50): My question is for the Attorney-General regarding coercive control. Can the Attorney advise whether there is an exposure draft and whether that has been provided to stakeholders? If not, when can we expect to see a draft piece of legislation?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:50): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am happy to be able to inform the honourable member that, as she would be aware, this government has committed to criminalising coercive control and working with women's organisations—in particular, the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity—and SA Police in relation to this reform.

At present, the Office for Women, under the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, has the lead in developing the consultation strategy in relation to progressing this very important election commitment. My department—the Attorney-General's Department—has and will continue to provide assistance to the Office for Women in relation to the materials that are to be consulted on as they require it. The Attorney-General's Department has previously consulted on this reform generally.

I am advised that there has been consultation on this that closed in April 2022. There have been a range of submissions that are from a broad range of organisations. I am very pleased that my colleague the Minister for Women is progressing this matter, and we will see legislation in due course.