The Victorian Labor government, under Premier Jacinta Allan, has executed a significant policy reversal, announcing it will now support the creation of a specific criminal offence for coercive control. This move marks a departure from the government's previous stance and follows intense political pressure and a major parliamentary inquiry.
From Resistance to Support: A Landmark Report Forces Change
The government's change of heart comes in direct response to the final report from a parliamentary inquiry into family violence. That inquiry, which delivered its findings earlier this year, contained a core recommendation: Victoria must establish a standalone criminal offence for coercive control. For months, the Allan government resisted this recommendation, arguing the existing legal framework and a focus on reform of the family violence system were preferable paths.
This position put Labor at odds with the state opposition, victim-survivor advocates, and legal experts who have long argued that non-physical patterns of abuse—including intimidation, isolation, and financial control—must be explicitly outlawed. The political dynamic shifted decisively when the Liberal opposition, led by John Pesutto and with spokesperson Jess Wilson driving the issue, committed to legislating the offence if elected.
The Political Pressure Cooker and a Strategic Retreat
Facing a potent attack line in the lead-up to the November 2026 state election, Premier Jacinta Allan announced the reversal. The government will now draft legislation to criminalise coercive control, with plans to introduce it to parliament in 2025. Allan stated the government had listened to the community and the inquiry's findings, framing the move as a logical progression of the state's family violence reforms.
However, critics view it as a politically necessary backflip. Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Jess Wilson, labelled the announcement a "stunning admission of failure" after years of government resistance. Wilson emphasised that the shift occurred only after sustained campaigning from the opposition and advocates forced the government's hand.
Implementation Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the policy principle is now agreed upon, significant challenges lie ahead in implementation. The government has outlined a cautious timeline, allowing for extensive consultation with police, the judiciary, and support services throughout 2025. Key concerns that must be addressed in the legislation include:
- Precise legal definitions of coercive control to ensure laws are workable and just.
- Comprehensive training for police and prosecutors to identify often subtle, patterns of behaviour.
- Robust safeguards to prevent misuse of the laws and ensure they do not disproportionately impact certain communities.
The government has also pledged an additional $4 million in funding for victim-survivor support services, acknowledging the increased demand that may follow new reporting. This legislative journey will be closely watched, not only in Victoria but by other jurisdictions considering similar laws to combat the insidious pattern of abuse that coercive control represents.
