Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled a sweeping new plan to combat domestic and family violence, pledging $90 million in targeted funding and proposing new criminal offences that would make the use of digital technology to track or intimidate intimate partners illegal under Australian law.
The announcement, made just days out from the May 3 federal election, builds upon the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children and aims to address gaps in early intervention, technology-facilitated abuse, and systemic information-sharing failures that often leave victims vulnerable.
“A government I lead will be focused on delivering real change so that families, women, and children are safer and we end family and domestic violence,” Mr Dutton said in a statement, drawing on his past experience as a Queensland police officer.
Tackling tech-enabled abuse: At the heart of the Coalition’s proposal is the introduction of new domestic violence-specific criminal offences, which would make it illegal to use mobile phones, computers, or GPS devices to harass, threaten, or track intimate partners.
These offences would be supported by tougher bail conditions and a plan to recycle mobile devices for victim-survivors, helping them escape digital surveillance or harassment.
“Technology is becoming an increasingly common weapon in abusive relationships,” said Opposition spokesperson for women Sussan Ley.
“This plan ensures perpetrators will no longer be able to hide behind digital tools to control or harm.”
National DV offender register: The plan also proposes the creation of a National Family and Domestic Violence Offender Register, allowing law enforcement agencies across all states and territories to access and share information about a person’s history of violent offences.
This would mirror the model of sex offender registers, aiming to improve the risk management of repeat offenders, particularly across jurisdictions where legal data sharing remains inconsistent.
“We need a uniform, national approach to monitor high-risk individuals. Police need real-time access to data to intervene before further harm occurs,”
Dutton said.
Early intervention and faster legal resolution: The package includes funding for specialist behavioural intervention programs, aimed at preventing abuse before it escalates, and increasing support for men who show early signs of controlling or violent behaviour.
In addition, the Coalition wants to streamline property settlements in family law cases where children are not involved and assets are below $1.5 million. The goal is to reduce stress, delays and financial uncertainty for those fleeing violent relationships.
“Speeding up the family law process—particularly for women who need urgent resolution of housing or financial matters—can be critical in breaking the cycle,”
Ley said.
Emergency support and continuity with Labor’s programs: Acknowledging existing programs, Dutton confirmed the Coalition would maintain and expand the Leaving Violence Program, first introduced by the Albanese Government, which provides emergency payments of up to $5000 for women and children escaping abuse.
Unlike the Coalition’s broader $750 million national crime package, Dutton emphasised that this domestic violence initiative would remain separate and specifically tailored to protecting women and children.
A bipartisan concern with policy divergence: The Coalition’s announcement comes amid growing national attention on the domestic violence crisis, with advocacy groups, experts and survivors urging faster and more effective government action.
While the Albanese Government has also made significant investments into the National Plan, the Coalition’s focus on new criminal offences, a national register, and a targeted tech-abuse crackdown represents a significant policy shift.
“If we get this right, our society will be a safer, happier and healthier place,” said Ley.
“It’s not just about policing—this is about prevention, intervention and support.”
Community groups call for follow-through: Women’s advocacy organisations have welcomed the attention to the issue, but stressed that real change will depend on long-term bipartisan support and implementation.
“Political announcements are encouraging, but we need consistent funding, strong legal reform and community-led prevention programs to truly move the needle,” said one domestic violence sector spokesperson.
The Australia Today will continue its federal election coverage with in-depth analysis on law and order, women’s safety, and how both major parties plan to tackle Australia’s domestic violence crisis. For stories from survivors and expert commentary, visit theaustraliatoday.com.au.
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