Stalkers could face round-the-clock GPS monitoring and victims stronger protections in court under a proposed overhaul of Victoria's stalking laws.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson announced a proposal for Celeste's Law on Monday, named in honour of 23-year-old Celeste Manno, who was murdered in her home by a former colleague after months of stalking and harassment.
The proposed reforms aim to address gaps in Victoria's justice system that can leave victims of stalking without the same protections afforded to those experiencing family violence.
Under the plan, high-risk stalkers subject to intervention orders would be eligible for a trial of 24-hour GPS monitoring, with exclusion zones established around victims’ homes and workplaces.
The reforms would also extend family violence courtroom protections to all stalking victims, allowing them to give pre-recorded evidence and preventing alleged perpetrators from personally cross-examining them.
A dedicated Department of Justice taskforce would oversee implementation of all 45 recommendations made by the Victorian Law Reform Commission in its report on stalking.
Other measures include mandatory specialist stalking training for police, stronger laws against digital stalking and improved information sharing between police, courts and victim support services.
Police would also be required to offer referrals for specialist vehicle and device screening where electronic tracking was suspected, while a direct pathway to the Magistrates’ Court would be established for urgent intervention order applications.
The plan includes perpetrator behaviour-change programs, improved access to specialist victim support and a review of financial assistance for victims in regional and rural areas.
The taskforce would also be asked to consider adding stalking offences to the adult time, adult crime list.
Ms Wilson said Ms Manno's death had exposed gaps in the justice system that needed to be addressed.
“Whether your stalker is a former partner, a colleague or a stranger, you deserve the same protection under the law,” the state Liberal party leader said.
Opposition victim support spokeswoman Renee Heath said only a handful of the law reform commission's recommendations had been implemented, four years after the report was delivered.
She said victims and their families deserved a comprehensive response.
The Liberals and Nationals say the reforms would be funded through their proposed $100 million Safer Communities Fund.
A 2024 Australian Bureau of Statistics personal safety survey found one in five women and one in 15 men had experienced stalking.
Women are eight times more likely to be stalked by a male than a female, while male victims are stalked at a similar rate by both men and women, according to the report.
Stalking is defined as behaviour purposely causing fear or distress on more than one occasion including following or watching someone in person, loitering around their home or work, keeping tabs on them through an electronic device, maintaining unwanted contact, hacking or impersonating them online.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
