The cautionary tale of Beck O’Connor … and a government accused of using ‘threatening’ tactics to silence critics
When Queensland’s first independent victims’ commissioner spoke out, the LNP’s next move was calculated and brutal. Community groups now fear retribution – and funding cuts Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Queensland’s first independent victims’ commissioner, Beck O’Connor, found herself in the crosshairs of a new Liberal National party government that had staked its…
Queensland’s first independent victims’ commissioner, Beck O’Connor, faced backlash for criticizing the LNP government’s hardline crime policies. She made reasoned criticisms on the "adult crime, adult time" measure and domestic violence orders. In July, the government released crime statistics that O’Connor deemed inaccurate, prompting her to call for an independent authority on crime data.
The government retaliated by leaking a report about her former employer, DV Connect, to the Courier-Mail, and O’Connor resigned soon after. Former victims’ commissioner Katherine Hayes, who has been critical of the government’s agenda, claimed the government now threatens funding cuts to silence critics. The government has also reportedly targeted not-for-profit organizations and community groups, creating a "culture of fear" and overreach in the sector.
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