Support for a proposal allowing Queensland homeowners to use lethal force against intruders has surged, with over 122,000 signatures collected on a parliamentary petition. This marks the highest number of signatures for a public e-petition in the state. The push for what is commonly referred to as "castle law" is the second attempt by Katter's Australian Party to introduce the bill, following a previous petition that garnered more than 40,000 signatures.

Kaz Hutchings, who experienced a home invasion while caring for her grandchildren in Townsville in July, expressed her support for the initiative. Hutchings confronted the intruder as he entered her home and chased him onto the street. "It is something I would support," she said. However, she cautioned against the broad language of the proposal, stating, "Whatever force necessary is a bit too broad, though. I honestly believe you could get a bit carried away with yourselves. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. Are you going to kill somebody inside your home?"

The petition seeks to amend the self-defense provisions in Queensland's criminal code. It aims to allow homeowners to defend themselves during a home invasion by using "whatever means necessary," as opposed to the current stipulation of using reasonable force. Although the concept of allowing victims to use lethal force has been discussed in court, it is not currently recognized in law. In a recent manslaughter trial, a jury asked for clarification on whether castle law applied, to which Justice Michael Copley responded, "There's no such thing as 'castle law.' The expression 'castle law' is not one known to the criminal law of this state."

Criminal law expert Nick Dore argued that the existing laws provide adequate protection for individuals facing genuine threats. "If someone is under a genuine threat, the law currently is on their side," he said. Dore warned that removing the requirement for reasonable force could lead to unintended consequences, such as escalating non-violent situations into violent ones and increasing vigilantism. "I think it's quite dangerous to give a blanket immunity," he added.

Despite the growing support for the petition, the Queensland government has stated there are no current plans to change the law. A government spokesperson noted that crime victimization in Queensland has decreased by 6.5 percent, according to recent police data. The spokesperson emphasized the government's focus on prevention, stating, "We're delivering a plan that takes a sensible approach … by stopping teenage criminals long before they break into people's homes."

Similar proposals for changes to self-defense laws have emerged in other Australian states. In Victoria, a motion to review self-defense laws failed to gain parliamentary support, while a petition for castle law is currently under consideration in New South Wales. Hutchings highlighted public frustration over the perceived lack of deterrence for criminals, saying, "The police do their job, the courts do not. I certainly hope the Queensland government and others can come together to make other places in Queensland and Australia a safer place to live."

The petition will be presented to the Queensland parliament and referred to the attorney-general for further consideration.