Queensland Pledges $800,000 to Deal With ‘Coward Punches’

Police attend a crime scene in the suburb of Manoora in Cairns, Australia, on Dec. 19, 2014. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Queensland government will invest $800,000 (US$539,000) in the next four years to combat coward punches.

On July 7, the state government announced a partnership with the Stop The Coward Punch (STCP) campaign to educate the local community about the risks of the act and minimise violence.

The new funding will support the campaign’s educational package, which has been introduced to secondary schools nationwide since 2022.

The $800,000 spending is also part of the Queensland government’s Community Safety Plan to improve the safety of local residents.

The state is currently experiencing an increase in criminal offences by adolescents, raising significant concerns among communities.

The state Labor government and the Opposition have vowed to take strong actions to curb rising crime ahead of the upcoming election.

What Is A Coward Punch?

A coward punch, also known as a sucker punch, is an unexpected and unprovoked strike delivered without warning in a situation that is considered unethical. It could cause significant damage and even death to the recipient.

According to recent data (pdf) from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), coward punches have caused 172 deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2016.

Around 94 percent of the victims were male, with an average age of 37.

In addition, 73 percent of deaths involved alcohol, and they occurred on the weekend, at homes, pubs and clubs between 12 p.m. and 3 a.m.

However, the VIFM noted that the fatality figures were just the tip of the iceberg due to the difficulties in identifying deaths caused by coward punches.

Response from Queensland Government

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said “enough is enough” while emphasising the need for some people to change their attitudes and behaviour.

“Everyone should be and feel safe no matter where they are, but especially when out socialising with friends and family,” he said.

“Coward punches are just that. Carried out by cowards.

“We all have a role to play in helping to educate the community and spread the word that it must stop.”

Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Jacqui Honeywood said awareness and education would help save lives and prevent future acts of violence.

“Every day across the state, police and first responders witness the profound life-long trauma experienced by everyone impacted by the thoughtless acts of violence,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cooper MP and Coward Punch Board Member Jonty Bush, who lost his father to a deadly coward punch attack, said fatal violence could affect anyone at any time.

“This is why further research is crucial to understanding the impacts of coward punch attacks on surviving victims, their families and friends, and the wider community, including first responders,” he said.