Domestic violence thugs to be slapped with GPS trackers after new laws pass Parliament

More than 500 domestic violence abusers are set to be slapped with GPS trackers after new laws were passed by State Parliament on Tuesday. The laws passed mean thugs subject to family violence restraining orders — and who are then accused or convicted of another violent crime against a partner — will now be automatically fitted with a tracking device. The devices will also be issued to serial FDV offenders who are accused or convicted of an FDV offence, and to prisoners released on parole or a post-sentence order for an FDV offence. It will also impose tougher penalties — up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $36,000 — for those who remove or fail to charge a tracking device. As part of the legislation, the Government will also add coercive control to the Restraining Orders Act, empowering the justice system to issue FVROs in instances of a pattern of behaviour against a partner. Attorney General John Quigley said the reforms “tipped the scale” in favour of victim-survivors. “These laws will greatly enhance the safety of victim-survivors by ensuring greater perpetrator accountability by mandating the imposition of electronic monitoring conditions, which will allow the perpetrators’ whereabouts to be monitored around the clock,” Mr Quigley said. “Police will be able to respond swiftly to the commission of new electronic monitoring-related offences by perpetrators, such as entering exclusion zones established for the safety of victim-survivors.” Premier Roger Cook called the laws the most extensive and toughest laws in the country protecting women and children from domestic violence. Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing chief executive Alison Evans welcomed the laws, but said they were just “one piece of the puzzle”. “We need to ensure we continue to push on with the good work that the government has already started. “We believe without a complete reform of the WA family and domestic violence system, that is resourced every step of the way, we will continue to see devastating levels of violence against women and children. “This is not just about law and order, it’s about ensuring a safe system for victim-survivors where they are seen and believed at all points. And where men who choose to use violence are answerable for their actions.” The laws were first announced in October by the State Government after a campaign by The West Australian for 600 dangerous criminals, including FDV offenders, to be fitted with GPS devices, in the wake of a series of horrific domestic violence murders. That included the murder of Georgia Lyall by her ex-partner Luke Noormets, who had been released on parole just over a year before he fatally shot her, before turning the gun on himself. He had been released early despite having a history of violence against another partner because his criminal record did not reflect a conviction for “actual violence”. Mr Lyall’s death came just 11 days before Tiffany Woodley was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner Peter Damjanovic. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008