A new law that would put parents who fatally injure their children as a result of long-term abuse in prison for at least 20 years will be backed by the Queensland opposition.
The state government has proposed reforming the offence of murder to include the unlawful killing of another if the death is caused by an act or omission with reckless indifference to human life.
Liberal National Party MP David Janetzki on Tuesday confirmed the party would vote in favour of passing the law.
It would apply to child and adult homicides caused by long-term physical and sexual abuse, particularly where victims are young, disabled or elderly.
In turn, Mr Janetzki wants the government to support a private members bill that proposes a new offence of child homicide and a minimum of 15 years for child manslaughter.
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But Attorney General Yvette D'Ath says that would lead to more cases going to trial "which means witnesses having to endure the ordeal of giving evidence, together with the possibility of a not guilty verdict", she told parliament on Tuesday.
"People plead guilty on the basis of seeking to get a lenient sentence, or a reduced sentence.
"If they know pleading guilty or not, (that) they're getting a minimum of 15 years, they will not plead, which means more matters going to trial, more stress and trauma for witnesses, but most importantly, it also leads to an increase in the potential for no conviction at all."
The government's bill also seeks to add a new circumstance of aggravation for child homicide victims under the age of 12.
Debate of the Bill will continue on Wednesday.
