Updated to reflect Queensland law. This guide explains police protection notices (PPNs), domestic violence orders (DVOs), and how “no contact” works under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It also corrects common myths (including breach offences).
Key Points (What Changed in this Update)
- “No contact” is a condition that can appear in a Police Protection Notice (PPN), a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or a Protection Order (PO). It is not a standalone ‘No Contact Order’ in Queensland law.
- Breach of a PPN is a separate criminal offence (s 178 DFVPA). Breach of a DVO/TPO is a different offence (s 177 DFVPA). Breach of release conditions is also an offence (s 179 DFVPA).
- PPNs can include a time‑limited “cool‑down” condition (up to 24 hours). A PPN itself continues in force until the first court mention (with limited scope to extend) because a PPN is taken to be an application for a protection order.
- “Intervention orders” are court orders (not police orders). They require the respondent’s agreement and direct them to attend an approved program or counselling.
- “Consent orders” can be made without admissions by the respondent.
Understanding Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)
DFV includes behaviour that is physically or sexually abusive, emotionally or psychologically abusive, economically abusive, threatening, coercive, or that controls or dominates a person and causes them to fear for their safety or wellbeing. The Act protects people in relevant relationships (intimate partners, family relationships, and informal care relationships).
How ‘No Contact’ Works in QLD
There is no separate ‘No Contact Order’. Instead, courts and police use legally enforceable conditions that prohibit contact:
- Police Protection Notices (PPNs): issued by police to provide immediate protection. May include ‘no contact’ and other conditions.
- Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs): short‑term orders made by a court while a case is pending.
- Protection Orders (POs): longer‑term orders made by a court after considering the evidence (or by consent).
Police Protection Notices (PPNs) — Immediate Police Action
Purpose and issue: Police can issue a PPN to respond quickly to DFV. A supervising officer’s approval is required. A PPN may name children/relatives if needed.
When it starts and how long it lasts: A PPN takes effect when the respondent is personally served OR a police officer tells the respondent about the notice and its conditions (including by phone/SMS/email). A PPN is taken to be an application for a protection order and it remains in force until the first mention in court. In exceptional cases, a court may extend a PPN briefly (for up to 5 business days, or until the next sitting day).
Conditions: PPNs have standard conditions and may include additional conditions, such as:
- “No contact” with the aggrieved (and any named person)
- Staying away from certain places (home, work, school)
- A “cool‑down” condition that ends within 24 hours of the notice taking effect.
Breach: Contravention of a PPN is a criminal offence. See “Breach offences and penalties” below.
Court Orders — TPOs, POs and Consent Orders
Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs): The court can make a TPO if there is a relevant relationship and DFV has occurred (or in particular adjournment scenarios). A TPO stays in place until the court makes a final decision.
Protection Orders (POs): Longer‑term protection with conditions tailored to safety (e.g., no contact, ouster/exclusion from premises, device/technology conditions). Weapons licensing consequences may flow from being named as a respondent (see Weapons Act cross‑references).
Consent Orders (without admissions): The court may make or vary an order by consent, whether or not the respondent admits the allegations, provided a relevant relationship exists and the court considers the terms appropriate.
Intervention Orders (court‑ordered behaviour change)
An intervention order is a COURT order (not a police order). If the court makes or varies a DVO, it may, WITH the respondent’s agreement—order them to attend an approved intervention program and/or counselling with an approved provider. The provider must assess suitability. Non‑compliance is reported to the court and can affect later decisions (e.g., variation), but the intervention order itself is not the same as a criminal charge.
Breach Offences and Penalties (DFVPA)
These are separate offences under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld):
1) Contravention of a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or Temporary Protection Order (s 177):
- Maximum penalty: 120 penalty units (PU) or 3 years’ imprisonment; or if, within the previous 5 years, the person has been convicted of a domestic violence offence—240 PU or 5 years.
2) Contravention of a Police Protection Notice (s 178):
- Maximum penalty: 120 PU or 3 years’ imprisonment.
3) Contravention of release conditions (s 179):
- Maximum penalty: 120 PU or 3 years’ imprisonment.
Important: Knowledge requirements and proof standards apply. The court cannot find a breach merely because police told the respondent an order exists unless satisfied the respondent was told about the specific condition allegedly breached.
Weapons Licences
Being named as a respondent in a DVO, PPN or release conditions can affect weapons licensing (suspension, revocation or other action) under the Weapons Act. If you hold a licence, seek legal advice immediately.
Getting Help
- Immediate danger: call Triple Zero (000).
- Non‑urgent police assistance: Policelink on 131 444.
- DVConnect (QLD services): 1800 811 811 (Womenline), 1800 600 636 (Mensline), 1800 811 811 (24/7). DVConnect reports handling ~450 calls/day across Queensland.
- Legal assistance: Contact Bazzi Law for confidential advice about your options, applications, and court representation.
