The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, says an elected Liberals and Nationals Government will introduce Clare’s Law in Victoria.
Under the scheme, individuals can apply to police to find out whether a current partner has a history of family violence or serious violent offending and police can proactively release information where they believe a person is at risk and disclosure is necessary to protect that person’s safety.
Ms Rendell said Clare’s Law had been Liberals and Nationals policy for the past two years, after it introduced legislation to establish the scheme in late 2024, only to see it rejected by the Labor Government.
Sarah, a long-term East Gippsland resident who has advocated for its introduction in Victoria for years, said it would be a huge step towards reducing domestic violence.
“If I had been able to check my previous partner’s history it would have prevented a terrible period in my life. It is working well in other states and should be introduced Australia wide, so I strongly support Gemma’s stance on this,” she said.
Ms Rendell said the Liberals and Nationals had recognised the value of Clare’s Law as an additional tool to help prevent family violence and protect potential victims.
“The Liberals and Nationals didn’t just announce this policy two years ago – we took legislation to the Victorian Parliament to have it in place immediately,” Ms Rendell said.
“Unfortunately, the Labor Government refused to support it, denying Victorians access to a scheme already operating successfully in other Australian jurisdictions.
“If elected in November, we will finally deliver Clare’s Law and give Victorians, both women and men, the protections they deserve.”
Named after Clare Wood, a British woman murdered by a former partner with a known history of violence, Clare’s Law operates under a ‘Right to Ask, Right to Know’ model. Similar schemes have been established in other Australian jurisdictions, including South Australia, and are currently being trialled in New South Wales.
Ms Rendell said family violence remained one of Victoria’s most serious issues and Clare’s Law would provide people with information that could help them make informed decisions about their safety.
“Too often we hear tragic stories where someone enters a relationship unaware that their partner has a history of violence.
“Clare’s Law is not about replacing existing family violence services, it’s about strengthening them by giving people access to information that could help them recognise danger before violence escalates.
“Giving someone access to information about a partner’s violent history could be the difference between safety and tragedy.
“As a community, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent family violence, and Clare’s Law is a practical reform that can help protect vulnerable Victorians,” she said.
