July 22, 2026 — 9:52amA report to the Queensland government from a group of domestic violence survivors calling for a civilian review system for complaints about poor police responses has been kept under wraps.The Lived Experience Working Group was convened by Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm in February 2025, tasked with meeting three times before providing a report on how victims were falling through the gaps.Initially reported by The Guardian, the report did not see light of day, despite consistent messaging from the government about putting victims first.Previously police would have had to call interstate offices to clarify information around protection orders. Police MediaA summary of the final report, which found a fragmented system full of procedural and cultural barriers, was distributed to government bodies and key stakeholders, but not made public.A footnote on the summary report, seen by this masthead, noted the confidentiality of working group members as a reason the report would not be made public.“Key challenges identified include inconsistent police and legal responses, lack of culturally safe and trauma-informed practices, weaponisation of service systems against victim-survivors by persons using violence, housing and financial insecurity, and inadequate support,” the summary’s executive summary reads.The most in-depth section of the report took aim at the Queensland Police Service, which it claimed reacted inconsistently to domestic violence complaints.These responses led to a “perception that outcomes depended on the officer that attended”, the author said, adding group members were discouraged from escalating complaints about police they felt did not take their concerns seriously.The group recommended a “civilian review mechanism” oversee the escalation of these concerns.Victim-survivors involved in the group were frustrated by delays in charges being laid over DVO breaches when perpetrators had regular and predictable routines causing a lack of trust in the police service’s ability to make them safe.The roles of child protection, mental health supports, housing and financial security, the legal system, and specialist DVF services were also analysed by the group.The group found victims “overwhelmingly described experiences of being disregarded, not being taken seriously and being sent around in circles” and found the onus was on them to find the support they needed.Since the group was convened, Queensland police have disbanded their specialist domestic violence unit, deeming case management not “core business”.That decision came after a 100-day review of police operations found significant “mission creep” within the service.In response to questions about the group’s report, Camm said the government was tackling the issue through record investment and the delivery of shelters, affordable housing, and more police.“The Crisafulli government has given a voice to victims of domestic and family violence and has prioritised turning around the deteriorating services we inherited from the former government,” she said.“For example, our government has increased DV Connect’s answer rate from 41.9 per cent under Labor to 84 per cent.”Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.More:Domestic violenceQueensland governmentQueensland PoliceFrom our partners