Victims of domestic violence who kill their attackers could face lesser charges under changes to Queensland's criminal code.
The Queensland parliament has voted to create a partial defence for victims of abusive domestic relationships.
The code will also be altered to include a new offence outlawing the possession of equipment used in identity fraud.
State Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the changes relating to domestic violence victims were an Australian first.
"The new partial defence of 'killing in an abusive domestic relationship' is the first of its kind in Australia and provides victims of serious abuse with legal protection," Mr Dick said.
"It doesn't excuse victims, but it does broaden the court's sentencing options.
"The defence is framed in a way that will ensure it is reserved for genuine victims and not misused."
He said the defence was the result of detailed consideration by government, the Queensland Law Reform Commission, academics, the judiciary, legal profession and the community.
"Research reviewed during the development process found that victims of seriously abusive relationships often commit offences in circumstances that fall outside existing defences, such as self-defence and provocation," he said.
Mr Dick said safeguards had been built in to ensure the defence was properly used.
They include a requirement that the person responsible for the killing acted to avoid death or grievous bodily harm.
"This represents a balance between necessarily punishing those who would otherwise be guilty of murder while providing some legal protection for victims of serious abuse," Mr Dick said.
He said Tuesday's changes also increased Queenslanders' protection against identity theft.
It will now be a crime to possess equipment for the purpose of obtaining or dealing with identification information.
"Identity theft is a global threat and a significant problem in Australia," Mr Dick said.
"Under the amendments, equipment could include items such as credit card-skimming devices, mobile phones with cameras or Bluetooth technology, and laptop computers."
However, Mr Dick said law enforcement authorities would need to prove the equipment was held for an unlawful purpose, so the mere possession of commonplace items would not be an offence.
"It will have to be proved that the items were possessed for purposes of committing an identity theft offence," he said.
The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.