Peace and Good Behaviour Orders (QLD)
Restraining Orders & Magistrates Court Applications
A Peace and Good Behaviour Order in Queensland is a court order designed to prevent threats, harassment, or intimidation between individuals.
These applications are commonly used in disputes outside domestic relationships, such as neighbour or personal conflicts.
If you are applying for or responding to a Peace and Good Behaviour Order, legal advice is essential.
What is a Peace and Good Behaviour Order?
A Peace and Good Behaviour Order is made under the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1982 (QLD).
It is designed to:
prevent threats of harm
stop harassment or intimidation
maintain peace between parties
The order typically requires a person to:
be of good behaviour
not commit acts of violence or threats
When can an order be made?
A court may make an order if it is satisfied that:
a person has threatened to injure someone, or
there is a genuine fear that such a threat may be carried out
The focus is on preventing future conduct, not punishing past behaviour.
Common situations for applications
Peace and Good Behaviour Orders are often used in:
neighbour disputes
workplace conflicts
personal disagreements
ongoing harassment situations
disputes between non-family members
What happens in court?
The process usually involves:
filing a complaint in the Magistrates Court
attending a first mention
possible adjournments for evidence
a hearing if the matter is contested
At hearing:
both parties may give evidence
witnesses may be called
the Magistrate determines whether an order is necessary
What are the consequences?
If an order is made, you must:
comply with all conditions
avoid threats or prohibited conduct
Breaching the order can result in:
criminal charges
fines or imprisonment
Can you defend an application?
Yes. You may:
challenge whether a threat was made
dispute the credibility of the applicant
argue that no order is necessary
present evidence in your defence
Each matter depends on the specific facts and evidence.
Why early legal advice matters
Legal advice can assist you to:
assess the strength of the application
prepare your evidence
avoid escalating the dispute
protect your position
How we can help
At Robinson Law, we:
act for applicants and respondents
prepare and defend applications
represent clients in hearings
provide clear, strategic advice throughout the process
Speak with a criminal defence lawyer
📞 1300 544 444
Available 24/7
belinda@robinsonlaw.au
peace and good behaviour orders in queensland - faq
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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.
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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
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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.
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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).
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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.
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The length of the order varies depending on the circumstances. The court will set a timeframe it considers appropriate to ensure ongoing protection.
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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.
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Yes. Police can arrest and charge a person if they reasonably suspect a breach has occurred.
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Yes. Applications are generally heard in the Magistrates Court of Queensland, where both parties can present their case.
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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.
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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.
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The order itself is not a criminal conviction. However, breaching the order is a criminal offence and may result in a criminal record.
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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.
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You should:
Read the documents carefully
Comply with any interim conditions
Avoid contact with the applicant
Seek legal advice immediately
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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
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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.
related Offences in Queensland
You may also want to learn about:
👉 Read more about Domestic Violence Offences in Queensland
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