Why MP Nick Dametto from Katter’s Australia Party is calling for an ‘extreme’ US law to be introduced to Australia to deal with home intruders

A politician has called for the introduction of US laws that would allow homeowners to use deadly force against intruders.

The call from Katter Australian Party MP Nick Dametto, who represents the far north Queensland parliamentary seat of Hinchinbrook, comes as police investigate the alleged fatal stabbing of an axe-wielding intruder by the homeowner.

Mr Dametto wants Queensland to pass a so-called “castle law” that would allow a homeowner to use deadly force in the event of an invasion of their home.

Currently, Queensland law allows the use of ‘like for like’ self-defence, meaning an occupant of a home may only use approximately the same amount of force that an intruder would use to threaten their safety or property.

If a resident exceeds that level of violence, they could be charged with assault or even murder.

Mr Dametto argued that homeowners needed more legal protection given the increased frequency of home burglaries; often committed by armed gangs.

“In a split second it can be fight or flight,” Dametto said.

‘If flight is not an option, the consequences of their combat response must be protected by legislation, but currently there are gaping holes in this.

‘It’s dark, you’re awake, you don’t have time to think about what weapon they have or what power you can use.

“For most of us, it’s the feeling of powerlessness in a situation like this that petrifies us.”

Mr Dametto said a house could be defined as anything with a closing door, including a car, tent or caravan.

He said the law was not an encouragement to waywardness, but said when police cannot arrive quickly, such as in rural areas, it is desperately needed.

The law in the United States is known as the Castle Doctrine and is part of the ‘stand-your-ground laws’ in several US states.

Mr Dametto argued that homeowners need more legal protection if they decide to use force against an intruder (stock image)

In places like Texas and Florida, the laws do not have a “duty to retreat” clause, meaning a homeowner does not have to first take evasive action by fleeing an intruder before being forced into self-defense.

Katter’s Australia Party will try to get the major parties to adopt the Castle Law in the next five weeks of parliament before the Queensland election.

NSW Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of Trae Laurie, who allegedly raided the home of 66-year-old Allan Kerr in the northern NSW town of Kingscliff with alleged accomplice Desmond Avery.

Mr Kerr was reportedly struck several times with an ax but fought back, reportedly fatally stabbing Laurie, a convicted bank robber.