Jess Wilson, the newly elected leader of Victoria’s Liberal Party, has announced her first major policy initiative: criminalising coercive control in domestic relationships.
The announcement surprised some colleagues, given Wilson had previously pledged to shift the party’s focus away from crime.
Coercive control refers to a pattern of manipulative, controlling, and psychologically abusive behaviours that victims may experience in intimate relationships. The issue has gained increased attention in Australia following high-profile domestic violence cases, including the 2020 murder of Queensland mother Hannah Clarke and her three young children. Clarke and her children were killed in a petrol-fuelled attack by her estranged husband, highlighting the severe consequences of coercive control.
Wilson plans to present the policy at a special shadow cabinet meeting this Thursday, prior to her full shadow cabinet appointments. Senior Liberals have reportedly been developing the proposal for nearly a year, aiming to align the policy announcement with the annual “Walk Against Family Violence” on Friday. The policy seeks to create a standalone criminal offence for coercive control, expanding upon current family violence legislation which already recognises such behaviours.
Wilson has outlined a broader agenda that includes repairing the state budget, addressing the ongoing crime crisis, improving access to healthcare, and expanding opportunities for home ownership. While her predecessors, including former leader Brad Battin, were criticised for focusing primarily on law-and-order policies, Wilson’s first move demonstrates an early prioritisation of social justice and protection for vulnerable Victorians.
Premier Jacinta Allan has welcomed efforts to tackle coercive control, acknowledging that her government is reviewing further reforms to protect women and children from domestic abuse. Advocates hope Wilson’s proposal will accelerate parliamentary action to criminalise coercive control and strengthen protections for victims across Victoria.
