Impacts from Domestic and Family Violence Protection legislation changes
On 1 January 2026, amendments to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 came into effect, giving Queensland police greater powers to provide immediate and long-term protection to victims of domestic violence.
Under the new provisions, the QPS may issue Police Protection Directions (PPDs) when a person is considered in need of protection and it is appropriate for the matter not to proceed to court. PPDs are on-the-spot, 12-month directions that can include standard conditions, as well as no-contact, cool-down and ouster conditions.
The Act also establishes review pathways, including an internal police-initiated review and a police review process where the respondent, aggrieved, authorised person for the aggrieved or a named person may apply to the police commissioner for a review within 28 days of the direction taking effect.
A grant of legal assistance is not available where a party is seeking a police review of a PPD.
Separately, the respondent, aggrieved, or authorised person for the aggrieved may apply directly to the Magistrates Court for a court review of a PPD at any time during the life of the PPD. This review is independent of the police review process and can be sought regardless of whether a police review has been requested. Filing a court review also results in the PPD being filed with the court and treated as an application for a protection order.
What has changed for LAQ?
Our domestic and family violence grants of aid have been reviewed to include a court review of a PPD. Our standard means, guideline and merits criteria apply.
For further information, refer to the Grants Handbook or contact your dedicated Grants team.
LAQ is currently reviewing its case management standards for legal advice and family law and further information will be provided at a later date.
Additional resources
Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ)
LAQ has developed a new factsheet and web content on Police Protection Directions. You can read them here: What is a Police Protection Direction? - Legal Aid Queensland.
In December 2025, LAQ delivered a CPD about these legislative amendments. A recording is available to our partner law firms under Information Resources on Grants Online.
Courts
in response to these changes, new resources and forms have been developed by Queensland Courts, which are now published on the Queensland Courts website including:
Information has also been added to the Queensland Courts website - Police Protection Directions (PPD) | Queensland Courts.
Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
New information sheets have been posted to the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety website - Police Protection Directions | Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.