Peace and Good Behaviour Orders (QLD)

A Peace and Good Behaviour Order (often called a “PGB order”) is a court order made under the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1982 (Qld).

It is designed to protect a person from violence, threats, intimidation, or harassment by requiring another person to “keep the peace” and behave appropriately.

The purpose of a PGB order is to prevent future conflict or harm by placing legally enforceable conditions on a person’s behaviour.

It is commonly used in situations involving:

• Threats or intimidation

• Harassment between neighbours

• Workplace or community disputes

• Situations not covered by domestic violence laws

A person can apply for a PGB order if they are experiencing:

• Threats of violence

• Harassment or intimidation

• Fear for their safety or property

The application is generally made through the Magistrates Court of Queensland.

A Peace and Good Behaviour Order applies to non-domestic situations, such as neighbours or acquaintances.

A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) applies where there is a relevant domestic or family relationship under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).

A court may impose conditions such as:

• Not assaulting, threatening, or harassing the applicant

• Not approaching or contacting the applicant

• Staying away from certain locations

• General “keep the peace” requirements

The conditions depend on the facts of the case.

The length of the order varies depending on the circumstances. The court will set a timeframe it considers appropriate to ensure ongoing protection.

Breaching a PGB order is a criminal offence and may result in:

• Fines

• Criminal conviction

• Imprisonment in serious cases

Courts take breaches seriously, especially where repeated or escalating behaviour occurs.

Yes. Police can arrest and charge a person if they reasonably suspect a breach has occurred.

Yes. Applications are generally heard in the Magistrates Court of Queensland, where both parties can present their case.

Yes. You can oppose the application and challenge the allegations. The court will consider evidence from both sides before deciding whether to make an order.

You may agree to the order without admitting the allegations. This can resolve the matter without a contested hearing, but it still results in legally enforceable conditions.

The order itself is not a criminal conviction. However, breaching the order is a criminal offence and may result in a criminal record.

Yes. A party can apply to:

• Vary the conditions

• Extend the order

• Discharge (cancel) the order

The court must be satisfied that the change is appropriate.

You should:

• Read the documents carefully

• Comply with any interim conditions

• Avoid contact with the applicant

• Seek legal advice immediately

Yes. A lawyer can:

• Assess the strength of the application

• Advise whether to oppose or consent

• Negotiate appropriate conditions

• Represent you in court

• Protect your legal and practical interests

They are used to prevent escalation of conflict and provide legal protection in situations where domestic violence laws do not apply, but there is still risk of harm or ongoing harassment.