Face of Nation : The Queensland government has ordered a review of the state’s sexual assault and consent laws.
The Palaszczuk Government on Tuesday said the state’s consent laws will be referred to the Queensland Law Reform Commission for review.
The commission will consider evidence and expert advice before making a recommendation to the government, Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said in a statement.
“We are taking leadership on this issue, one which is deeply personal for many Queenslanders,” she said.
“Referring this issue to the Queensland Law Reform Commission gives an opportunity for all voices to be heard, and to get the law right.”
Under current law, consent must be given freely and voluntarily by someone with the capacity to give it, and anyone found guilty of rape could be jailed for life.
Queensland’s Minster for Women Di Farmer said the government owed it to victims of sexual assault to get it right, and hoped the review will ensure victims are supported in the best way possible.
The announcement comes after Women’s Legal Service Queensland called on the state government to overhaul sexual violence laws.
The service, which gives free legal advice and social support to domestic violence victims, wants Queensland to adopt a more thorough assessment around how consent is determined in sexual violence cases.
It also called for the mistaken belief defence to be excluded from such matters.
