Police are a step closer to being able to issue on-the-spot protection orders, after the legislation passed its first reading in Parliament.
There was unanimous political support for the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill in the House on Thursday.
The Government says at present, protection orders are issued in the Family Court, and many people are put off by the cost involved, or fear of repercussions.
Labour Party justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel says her party supports the bill, but she says she is disappointed it is not more comprehensive.
Parliament rose for the year on Thursday and sits again on 10 February.
