POLICE PROTECTION NOTICES

A Police Protection Notice (PPN) is an order police in Queensland can issue under section 101 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It provides immediate, short‑term protection for a person at risk of domestic or family violence, without waiting for a court hearing. 

A PPN stays in place until the matter goes before a magistrate, ensuring there is no gap in safety for the aggrieved and any children.

A Police Protection Notice (PPN) is issued directly by police under section 101 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It is designed to provide immediate, on‑the‑spot protection where police believe someone is at risk of domestic or family violence. A PPN takes effect straight away and remains in place until the matter can be brought before a magistrate. Its purpose is to ensure there is no delay in safeguarding victims and children, even outside of court hours.

A Temporary Protection Order (TPO), on the other hand, is made by the court under section 45 of the Act. A TPO is usually granted at the first mention of a domestic violence application and stays in force until the court decides whether to make a final protection order. The intention of a TPO is to provide short‑term, enforceable protection during the court process, so that safety is maintained while the magistrate considers the evidence.

In short: A PPN is a police‑issued emergency measure, while a TPO is a court‑issued interim order. Both exist to make sure there is no gap in protection for people experiencing domestic violence.

- A Police Protection Notice (PPN) takes effect immediately and continues until the first court date.

- A Temporay Protection Order (TPO) remains in place until the magistrate makes a final decision on the application.

This step‑by‑step process ensures there is always an enforceable order in place — first through the police, then through the court — so victims and children remain protected throughout.

A PPN covers the immediate period until the first court date, while a TPO provides protection until the court makes its final decision. Together, they ensure continuous safety with no gaps in protection for people at risk of domestic or family violence in Queensland.

Both Police Protection Notices (PPNs) and Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) can include conditions under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) to keep the aggrieved and any children safe. Common conditions include:

- No contact: stopping the respondent from contacting or approaching the aggrieved directly or indirectly.

- Exclusion zones: preventing the respondent from going to the aggrieved’s home, workplace, or other nominated places.

- Good behaviour: requiring the respondent not to commit domestic violence.

- Weapons restrictions: requiring the respondent to surrender firearms or weapons licences.

- Tailored conditions: any other restrictions the police (for a PPN) or the court (for a TPO) consider necessary for safety.

Conditions in a PPN or TPO are flexible and tailored to the situation, but their purpose is always the same: to provide immediate, enforceable protection and reduce the risk of further harm.

Breaching a Police Protection Notice (PPN) or a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) is a criminal offence under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).

- Contravening a PPN is an offence under section 178 of the Act.

- Contravening a TPO (or any protection order) is an offence under section 177 of the Act.

If a respondent disobeys the conditions — for example, by contacting the aggrieved, attending a prohibited place, or failing to surrender weapons — police can charge them with breaching the order. Penalties can include fines or imprisonment, reflecting the law’s intention to ensure that protection orders are enforceable and effective.

Breaching a PPN or TPO is not just breaking a condition — it is a criminal offence with serious consequences. These laws are designed to give victims and children confidence that their safety is backed by both the police and the courts in Queensland.

Domestic violence proceedings in Queensland move quickly, and the impact of a Police Protection Notice (PPN) or Temporary Protection Order (TPO) can be significant. Getting independent legal advice ensures you understand your rights, the conditions that may apply, and the options available to protect yourself or respond effectively.

A lawyer can guide you through the court process, represent you before the magistrate, and help negotiate conditions that are practical and fair. Most importantly, legal advice provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind at a time when decisions must be made urgently and safety is the priority.

Legal advice is not just helpful — it is essential. It ensures you are protected, informed, and supported at every stage of a domestic violence matter in Queensland.

At Coral Coast Law, we know that facing a Police Protection Notice (PPN) or Temporary Protection Order (TPO) can feel overwhelming. We provide clear advice on your rights and obligations under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), and explain the steps ahead in plain language.

We can represent you in court, prepare your case, and negotiate conditions that are practical and fair. Whether you are seeking protection or responding to an application, our focus is on delivering strong advocacy, practical solutions, and compassionate support so you feel protected and informed at every stage.

If you’ve been served with a Police Protection Notice or Temporary Protection Order, act now. Coral Coast Law provides immediate legal support and strong representation to protect your rights and safety in Cairns.