This outcome highlights stalkers’ “tough new reality”, justice minister says
The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act 2025 has led to over a hundred charges being laid before the courts and hundreds of notices being issued since it was implemented on 26 May.
Justice minister Paul Goldsmith and police minister Mark Mitchell lauded the outcomes of the new law, with Goldsmith saying they demonstrated “the tough new reality stalkers are facing – one where there are real consequences for their actions”.
“Our government has sent a very clear message - this behaviour has to stop. If it continues, stalkers will face the full force of the law, including up to five years in prison”, Goldsmith said.
The law defines stalking and harassment as a pattern of behaviour – namely, two specified acts on two separate occasions within two years – that the offender knew would likely subject the victim to fear or distress. It counts the following as stalking behaviours:
Under the law, the police are authorized to issue stalking and harassment notices after singular incidents. The law also facilitates early intervention before the escalation of harm.
Since the legislation took effect, officers have laid 140 charges before the courts and issued 918 notices.
“I want to acknowledge our police officers for the work they have done since the law came into force. With these new powers at their disposal, police have swung into gear immediately to intervene, hold offenders to account, and help protect people who are subjected to this atrocious behaviour”, Mitchell said. “Those who engage in stalking and harassment can expect police action. This behaviour is unacceptable and can have serious consequences for victims and their families”.
The government indicated that the police would continue to track the law’s implementation and collaborate with staff and partners on its embedding to ensure victims’ safety and protection.
“For too long this insidious behaviour went unpunished, yet victims were left with often long-term side effects. Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and this is a prime example of a gap in the law which made no sense”, Goldsmith said.
