Shadow Attorney-General Ella Haddad has welcomed the release of a draft bill introducing a new standalone criminal offence of non-fatal strangulation after several years of lobbying the Liberal Government.
Ms Haddad said this was important law reform that has been called for by both the Coroner and Labor and she encouraged all stakeholders to take the opportunity for consultation on the bill.
“Non-fatal strangulation is a serious form of family violence and it often does lead to an escalation of violence,” Ms Haddad said.
“In the most extreme cases it can be a precursor to fatal family violence.
“Labor welcomes the fact that the government has finally released this draft bill because it is important law reform and for many years it has been called for.
“It’s crucial that Tasmania’s laws keep pace with our growing understanding of family and domestic violence.
“It’s high time that this state had a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation to recognise the serious scourge of family violence.”
Ms Haddad also welcomed the bill amending the definition of consent in relation to stealthing, which has already been the subject of reform in several other states.
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Attorney-General
