Queensland has the most outdated consent laws in Australia. Other states are taking action. New South Wales legislation is being reviewed following Saxon Mullins’ brave Four Corners story. A recent ABC report has revealed the impact of Queensland’s laws and how they are failing rape survivors.
Our current law includes the defence of “mistaken belief”. According to Queensland legislation, the accused does not commit rape if they believe the complainant is consenting, even if they are not. This is not good enough.
Under Tasmanian consent laws, proof the survivor did not communicate consent is enough to establish absence of consent. The Tasmanian approach has been law for 14 years.
Why should Queensland rape survivors be denied justice?
This is just one example of how the current legislative process fails Queensland sexual assault survivors.
Many women have contacted Women’s Legal Service to share their story of how the system has let them down.
On their behalf, we encourage all Queenslanders to contact key decision makers. Let them know it’s not good enough.
We’re requesting:
- An urgent review of Queensland consent laws
- A broader review to make the Queensland legal system more responsive to victims of sexual assault
- A Queensland Sexual Violence Prevention Plan.
Join us
Email the Queensland Government here.
View our Five Step Plan To Safety For Qld Women and Children.