AN ePetition calling for Castle Law to be legislated in New South Wales has passed 21,500 signatures, with a date now to be set to have the petition debated in the Upper House of the NSW Parliament.

The online petition, established by Moree resident Kelly James, calls for the introduction of Castle Law in New South Wales.

Castle law, or the Castle Doctrine, is a legal principle allowing individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves, their family, and their home from an intruder.

Castle Law provides protection from legal prosecution for the force used, as long as it is a reasonable response to the threat.

“This initiative, which seeks to address the pressing issue of victims defending themselves in their own homes with whatever they have available without having to retreat first and without the fear or prosecution, has gained significant traction thanks to the tireless efforts of several key supporters,” Mrs James said.

She said support from Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan and Phillip Ruddick MLC has helped get the debate across the line.

“Brendan’s unwavering support over the past year has been invaluable,” Mrs James said.

“With Brendan’s assistance, I initially submitted the petition in the lower house, and as it gained traction, we redirected it to the upper house for further consideration.

“This strategic move underscores the importance of persistence and adaptability in advocacy,” she said.

“John Ruddick has championed this cause and will present our petition to parliament in the coming months.

“His commitment ensures this critical issue will be brought to the floor for debate, regardless of the government’s stance,” Mrs James said.

Moree resident Kelly James has launched an ePetition to have Castle Law debated in the upper house. So far, more than 21,500 people have signed, with the petition closing next Thursday, October 30.

The ePetition has also received strong support from Coonamble equine trainer, Patrick Harris.

“Patrick’s personal experiences with property theft and damage have spotlighted the urgent need for reform,” Mrs James said.

“His steadfast advocacy has been a driving force behind this initiative, particularly regarding the theft of livestock and machinery.

“This is a pervasive issue in regional New South Wales that demands immediate attention and is something I will be pushing for once Castle Law has been debated and outcomes achieved,” she said.

Mrs James said the lack of regard for victims who are constantly facing break-and-enters from masked intruders with dangerous weapons is “mind-blowing”.

“The voices of regional New South Wales victims, who are weary of city-centric politicians offering only excuses and temporary solutions, resonates throughout this movement,” she said.

“Their frustrations highlight the necessity for comprehensive reform that addresses the unique challenges faced by rural communities.”

Moree victim, motel owner Mick Cikota, thanked Mrs James for instigating the petition as well as all New South Wales residents who have lodged online support.

“It’s clear that people right across our community want to see stronger protections for homeowners and families – and this petition shows just how strongly people feel about safety in their own homes,” Mr Cikota said.
“After being the victim of a crime in my own home, I understand all too well the fear and violation that comes with it.

“No-one should ever feel unsafe where they live. The state government now has an opportunity – and a responsibility – to listen to the people and take real steps to strengthen our laws so that every person can feel secure in their own home,” he said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan congratulated Mrs James for ensuring the debate will be heard in the upper house.

“I support this petition, and I’m looking forward to hosting Kelly in Macquarie Street,” Mr Moylan said.

“The reality is, with the frequency of break-and-enter offences, those of us who live in regional New South Wales are becoming increasingly concerned about our own safety and the safety of our families.

“This petition shines a light on self-defence laws in New South Wales and it provides the upper house of State Parliament an opportunity to analyse the existing statutory law in New South Wales, such as Part 11 of the Crimes Act 1900, to test whether the laws are sufficient.

“Self-defence law in New South Wales is complex. This petition is an opportunity to debate the merits of simplifying the existing laws to provide clarity and give confidence back to our communities,” Mr Moylan said.

Mrs James encourages New South Wales residents to contact their local members and voice their support for the Castle Law debate.

The NSW ePetition is open until next Thursday, October 30 and can be signed HERE. As at late Friday, the petition sat at nearly 22,000 signatures.

“The petition continues to grow, reflecting widespread support for this critical reform,” Mrs James said.

In Queensland, the push for Castle Law is equally as strong.

An ePetition sponsored by Nick Dametto closed yesterday, with 124,702 signatures.

Mr Dametto recently resigned from Queensland parliament, and Bob Katter’s Australia Party, to contest a Townsville mayoral by-election next month.

Dametto’s ePetition in part states: “The current self-defence laws are inadequate and force victims to second-guess their actions when faced with a split-second, life-threatening situation. Good laws should be in place to protect good people. Introducing Castle Law in Queensland would give victims the right to use whatever force necessary to protect themselves, others within the premises and their property if faced with an intruder(s). Castle Law (or the Castle Doctrine) is a principle grounded in the fundamental right to self-defence. A Queenslander’s home is their castle.”

The New South Wales ePetition can be signed HERE. It closes next Thursday, October 30.