Tasmania to introduce new domestic violence laws and offender registry

Tasmania is preparing to introduce new legislation aimed at curbing serial domestic violence. The proposed laws would establish a public register of declared offenders and require them to notify police whenever they enter a new romantic relationship or update their status on dating apps and social media.

Under the draft legislation, declared offenders could face mandatory minimum six-month prison sentences for subsequent serious family violence offences. The registry will consider an individual's history of convictions from across Australia, including those occurring more than 10 years ago. Courts will maintain discretion to withhold names if publication threatens a victim's safety.

Separately, health advocates and family violence specialists are calling for stricter regulations on alcohol deliveries in the state. The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council and the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance have proposed limiting delivery hours to between 10am and 10pm. They argue that rapid, late-night alcohol access increases the risk of domestic violence incidents.