27 October 2026
Guy Barnett, Attorney-General
The Tasmanian Government is taking strong action to protect Tasmanians from technology enabled harm, with new legislation to criminalise emerging forms of abuse, including covert tracking, digital surveillance, online abuse, intimate image-based abuse and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the Government was delivering on its plan to protect victim-survivors and crackdown on perpetrators.
“The third tranche of our reforms will focus on strengthening laws against technology-facilitated harm, including strengthening the legislative framework that protects family violence victim-survivors,” the Attorney-General said.
“We know the use of technology to abuse, threaten and control others, can have a devastating impact on victim-survivors and their families.
“That’s why we are taking strong action to bring an end to these abhorrent crimes.
“No one should have to live with the fear of being tracked, monitored or having their most private moments shared without their consent.
“These reforms are particularly important in strengthening protections for people experiencing family violence, where technology can be used as another means of control and intimidation.”
As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are taking strong action on family violence.
These reforms following the Strengthening Our Responses to Family Violence in Tasmania Discussion Paper, released in late 2025.
Steph Nolan, lived experience victim-survivor and advocate said:
“When I became a victim of image-based abuse, I experienced not only the psychological impact of the abuse itself, but also the reality that Tasmania's laws did not protect me. That is why this reform means so much to me. Technology has changed the way abuse can be perpetrated and will continue to evolve, but our laws haven't kept pace. Too often, those responsible face little to no consequence for their actions, leaving victims feeling powerless and without the justice they deserve. These new laws will make a significant difference. Had they been in place for my case, the perpetrator would have been held more accountable for the seriousness of what they did.”
Shirleyann Varley, CEO of the Sexual Assault Support Service said:
“Technology-facilitated sexual violence can affect a person’s safety, privacy and control over their own life. An effective response needs to connect legal protections with prevention, specialist support and clear pathways to seek help. Technology-facilitated abuse can cause serious and enduring harm at any stage of life, and responses must centre victim-survivors. Getting the response right is critical to preventing further harm and creating safer futures. SASS welcomes attention to addressing technology-facilitated sexual violence. We look forward to the opportunity to review the detail of the proposed legislation and contribute our specialist advice.”
The Government will continue to consult with key stakeholders over coming weeks, with a draft Bill to be released for public consultation by the end of the year.