Coalition Pledges National Register for DV Offenders, Crackdown on Tech Abuse

The $90 million pledge includes national offender database, tech abuse laws, and faster family court settlements to close legal gaps and support victims.

A woman is pictured in the centre d'hebergement et de reinsertion sociale, a shelter dedicated to women, victims of domestic violence, in Chatillon, south of Paris, on Aug. 7, 2019. Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images

A future Coalition government will roll out a $90 million crackdown on domestic violence, vowing to launch a national register of DV offenders and criminalise tech-enabled abuse.

Unveiled in Tasmania, the package includes three reforms under the attorney-general’s portfolio.

At its core is a long-overdue national database of domestic violence convictions—giving police, child protection, and firearms agencies real-time access to offender records across all jurisdictions.

“Knowledge is power, and we’re going to ensure that our police have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions,” said Senator Michaelia Cash, saying the current state-based record system was fragmented.

Two new federal offences would directly target the use of technology to control or intimidate.

One would ban the use of mobile phones and digital devices to instil fear in intimate partners or family members. The other would criminalise the installation of spyware for stalking or surveillance—gaps the Coalition says existing laws fail to address.

“We are saying enough is enough,” said Cash, arguing the Criminal Code has not kept pace with coercive control or digital abuse in domestic settings.

Faster Property Settlements

The third plank of the plan will overhaul property settlement rules in family law cases.

The Coalition proposes lifting the fast-track threshold from $550,000 to $1.5 million, excluding superannuation.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at the Liberal Party Campaign Launch at the Liverpool Catholic Club in Prestons, western Sydney on day 16 of his 2025 Federal Election Campaign in the seat of Werriwa, Sunday, April 13, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The goal is to help families—particularly those without children—resolve financial matters faster and reduce the time vulnerable women are forced to remain in unsafe environments.

“We know the longer someone stays in the family court system, the more at risk they are of experiencing violence,” said Cash.

“This reform gets people through the courts faster and safer.”

The announcement builds on the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s broader pledge to combat gender-based violence.

Labor’s Plan Criticised

At the announcement, Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley acknowledged bipartisan support on domestic violence but accused Labor of failing to deliver on key promises.

“I appreciate the bipartisanship that the Labor Party and the Coalition have on this matter,” she said. “But when I hear that the numbers were not delivered in time, I know that women at critical periods of their lives when they needed help, when they needed assistance, were not able to find that help.”

The government had promised 500 new frontline domestic violence case workers. Ley said service providers are still struggling due to that shortfall.

Ley added there was “a lack of urgency” in addressing family and domestic violence under Labor.

“As a Coalition, we know violence can be at the end of a chain of events across someone’s life,” she said.

Albanese’s $4.7 Billion Plan

In October 2024, the National Cabinet unveiled a $4.7 billion plan to prevent domestic violence over the next five years, including a new partnership with states and territories.

Of that, $3.9 billion is earmarked for frontline and legal support services.

The federal government has committed $351 million, matched by state and territory counterparts, with local governments directing funds where they’re needed most.

“A nationally coordinated approach is required to address this national crisis,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “These horrific and disturbing deaths and vile violence must be prevented.”

11 Percent Spike in Sexual Violence

The government’s Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report tabled in Parliament in August 2024 revealed 43 women were murdered by partners in the year to June 30. It also showed an 11 percent spike in sexual violence.

Michaela Cronin, the domestic violence commissioner, said the issue needed to be brought to light.

“These numbers reflect a reality that many prefer to avoid, yet it is one that advocates bravely bring to light, demanding that we confront these issues head-on,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Family Violence Prevention Justine Elliot said over 5,000 calls were made to police each week concerning such violence.

“For too many women, home is the most dangerous place,” she said.