Police Protection Directions Queensland: What a PPD Means for You in 2026
Police Protection Directions in Queensland
From 1 January 2026, Queensland Police gained expanded powers to issue Police Protection Directions (PPDs). A Police Protection Direction is a legally binding order that can significantly affect your freedom, your home, and your daily life.
These directions allow police to provide immediate protection in domestic and family violence situations, without first going through the courts. While the intent is to enhance victim safety, PPDs carry serious legal consequences if breached.
In this article, we explain what Police Protection Directions are, when police can issue a PPD in Queensland, the conditions that apply, penalties for breaching a PPD, and the options available to review or challenge a PPD.
What Is a Police Protection Direction?
A Police Protection Direction (PPD) is a police-issued order made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).
A PPD:
- Is issued by specially trained Queensland Police officers
- Operates as a form of short-term domestic violence protection
- Lasts for 12 months
- Takes effect immediately once the Respondent is served or notified
In practical terms, a Police Protection Direction functions similarly to a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), but it is made by police rather than a court.
Key Differences Between a PPD and a DVO
Although both are enforceable domestic violence orders, there are important differences:
- A PPD is issued by police without a court hearing
- Parties do not need to attend court unless the PPD is reviewed
- A PPD lasts for a shorter period than a final protection order
- Breaching a PPD is a criminal offence
PPDs were introduced to reduce delays in protection while still preserving court oversight through review mechanisms.
When Can Police Issue a Police Protection Direction?
Police can only issue a Police Protection Direction if strict legal criteria are met.
An officer must reasonably believe that:
- A relevant relationship exists between the parties
- Domestic violence has occurred
- The PPD is necessary or desirable to protect the Aggrieved person
- No blocking circumstances apply
- A court-issued order is not more appropriate in the circumstances
Police must also consider the views of the Aggrieved person, including whether they would prefer the matter to proceed through the court process.
Respondent Not Present
If the Respondent is not present when police are considering issuing a PPD, officers must make reasonable attempts to locate and speak with them. This allows the Respondent to respond to the allegations before the direction is issued.
Standard Conditions in a Police Protection Direction
Every Police Protection Direction contains mandatory conditions. The Respondent must:
- Be of good behaviour towards the Aggrieved and any named persons
- Not commit domestic violence or associated domestic violence
- Not expose a named child to domestic violence
- Not encourage, organise, or engage another person to commit domestic violence on their behalf
These conditions apply immediately once the PPD is served or the Respondent is notified.
Additional Conditions Police May Impose
Police may add further conditions if they consider them necessary for safety, including:
No Contact Conditions
These conditions prohibit the Respondent from contacting, approaching, or attempting to locate the Aggrieved person.
Ouster Conditions
An ouster condition requires the Respondent to leave a shared residence, even if they own the property or are named on the lease.
Return Conditions
Return conditions allow the Respondent to attend a location with police to collect personal belongings.
Cool-Down Conditions
Cool-down conditions temporarily restrict contact or access to certain places to allow tensions to de-escalate.
When Police Cannot Issue a PPD
Police are prohibited from issuing a Police Protection Direction if any of the following apply:
- The Respondent or Aggrieved is a child
- The Respondent or Aggrieved is a police officer
- The Respondent should be taken into custody for the incident
- A DVO or recognised interstate order already exists or previously existed
- A PPD is already in force or has been issued previously
- The Respondent has a domestic violence conviction within the past two years
- A DVO application is already before the court
- A weapon was used or threatened during the incident
- Both parties require protection and police cannot identify the primary person in need
- A child requires protection beyond standard conditions
Officers must also assess factors such as the risk of serious harm, criminal history, and whether court-only powers (for example, GPS monitoring) may be required.
Breaching a Police Protection Direction: Penalties in Queensland
Breaching a Police Protection Direction is a criminal offence under section 177A of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act.
Once notified, the Respondent is legally required to comply with every condition.
Penalties for Breaching a PPD
A breach may result in:
- Fines exceeding $20,000, and/or
- Up to three years imprisonment
Example of a PPD Breach
If a PPD includes a no-contact condition and the Respondent sends a text message or makes a phone call to the Aggrieved, that action constitutes a breach. The Respondent’s intention, even if they are attempting to resolve matters, is irrelevant.
If You Have Been Served With a PPD
You should:
- Read the PPD carefully and immediately
- Strictly comply with all conditions
- Keep detailed records of all interactions
- Obtain urgent legal advice
How to Change or Challenge a Police Protection Direction
Amendments by Police
Police may only amend a PPD to correct minor errors or update:
- The Respondent’s name, address, or contact details
- The name of the Aggrieved or a named person
Substantive changes cannot be made through amendment.
Police Review of a PPD
A Police Protection Direction may be challenged through a police review.
- An application must be lodged within 28 days of the PPD being issued
- The PPD remains in force during the review
- A Respondent, Aggrieved person, authorised person, or named person may apply
Police must finalise the review within 28 days. After reviewing the matter, police may:
- Confirm the PPD
- Amend or revoke the PPD
- Issue a Police Protection Notice
- Apply for a Domestic Violence Order
If a court review is filed, any ongoing police review ends automatically.
Court Review of a Police Protection Direction
A court review can be requested at any time while a PPD remains in force.
When a Respondent applies for a court review:
- Police must file an application for a protection order
- The Respondent may file a cross-application against the Aggrieved
A magistrate may:
- Confirm the PPD
- Order that it end on a specified date
- Make a protection order for up to five years
The PPD continues to operate unless the court orders otherwise.
If a previous court review was dismissed, further applications require the court’s permission.
Get Legal Advice Early
Police Protection Directions carry immediate and serious legal consequences. Therefore, if you have been served with a PPD, it is critical to fully understand your obligations, comply with every condition, and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
In addition, both police and court review options may be available. However, it is important to remember that the process can escalate quickly, sometimes resulting in long-term court orders. For this reason, obtaining early legal advice can help protect your rights, reduce stress, and avoid the risk of criminal charges.
Ultimately, if you are facing a Police Protection Direction in Queensland, contacting Potts Lawyers as soon as possible can ensure you receive clear, strategic advice tailored to your specific situation.
If you need help, please contact us at:
Brisbane Office
📞 (07) 3221 4999
Gold Coast Office
📞 (07) 5532 3133
Lismore Office
📞 (02) 6616 2101
After Hours
📞0488 999 980