In a landmark move to combat domestic violence, the New South Wales Parliament has passed unprecedented legislation significantly increasing prison terms for those who murder their intimate partners.
A New Standard for Justice
The new law, passed on Tuesday night, sets a standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide. This represents a five-year increase from the previous 20-year standard for murder.
Attorney General Michael Daley and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Minister Jodie Harrison stated the change reflects the gravity of the crime. They commended the extraordinary advocacy of Tabitha Acret, whose efforts were spurred by the tragic murder of her daughter.
A Mother's Advocacy for Change
Mackenzie Anderson, a 21-year-old Newcastle woman, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Tyrone Thompson in March 2022. Thompson had been released on parole just 16 days earlier for assaulting her and was subject to an Apprehended Violence Order, which he breached by calling Anderson to say he was coming for her.
Thompson was later sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in jail, a term the Anderson family and the court of appeal deemed manifestly inadequate.
I thank Tabitha Acret for her courage and advocacy. She has endured something no parent should, Attorney General Daley said.
A Stronger Stance Against Domestic Violence
This legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and forms part of a broader government crackdown on domestic violence. Other measures include:
- Stringent bail conditions with electronic monitoring for those charged with serious domestic violence offences.
- Increased penalties for breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
- The establishment of dedicated protection orders for domestic abuse victims.
Minister Harrison acknowledged there is more work to do, especially to stop the violence before it starts, pledging to continue working with advocates and victim-survivors.
This important change means domestic violence killers will be subject to the highest non-parole periods available in NSW, Daley affirmed, sending a powerful message that perpetrators will be held fully accountable.
