Media release

New inquiry into coercive control bill

The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs has announced it will be undertaking an inquiry into the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2026.

Committee Chair, Chiaka Barry MLA, said ‘Coercive control is a serious form of violence that occurs behind closed doors in our community. Given the bill aims to create a new standalone offence for coercive control and the seriousness of coercive control as an issue, the Committee feels an inquiry will assist in determining whether the bill will have its intended outcome'.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are available on the inquiry webpage: link

The Committee will announce the dates for public hearings in due course.

Information about how to make a submission is available on the Assembly website: link

Submissions close on 10 July 2026.

4 June 2026

STATEMENT ENDS