The Minns Labor Government has introduced landmark legislation to establish a standard non-parole period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former intimate partner, marking the first time in Australia that a specific non-parole period for this type of homicide has been legislated.
The new laws recognise the gravity of intimate partner homicide and represent a 25 per cent increase from the current standard non-parole period for murder, which sits at 20 years. This brings it into line with other crimes that carry the state’s toughest penalties, such as the murder of a child or a public official.
The change follows strong advocacy from Tabitha Acret, whose daughter Mackenzie Anderson was murdered by her former partner in 2022.
Between 2020 and 2025, 59 people in New South Wales were murdered by a current or former intimate partner, with women making up the vast majority of those victims.
The government says the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 aims to ensure that the state’s laws reflect both the seriousness of these crimes and the lasting trauma they cause to victims, families, and communities.
This latest reform builds on the government’s broader efforts to tackle domestic and family violence, including:
- The introduction of the toughest bail laws in the country for domestic violence offenders
- Mandatory electronic monitoring for those on bail for serious domestic violence charges
- Increased penalties for breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders
- The creation of Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders
Alongside these legislative changes, the government has also rolled out the state’s first Primary Prevention Strategy and invested record funding in crisis and support services.
Premier Chris Minns said the reform sends a strong message that the justice system must reflect the severity of intimate partner homicide.
“I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her incredible courage and advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter,” he said. “No parent should ever have to endure what Tabitha has, yet she has used her voice to drive real change that will help protect others.”
Attorney General Michael Daley said the 25-year standard non-parole period ensures “consistency and transparency” in sentencing, while Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison praised Tabitha’s advocacy for making New South Wales “a safer place for women.”
Tabitha Acret said she hopes the change will serve as a lasting deterrent and a legacy for her daughter Mackenzie.
“When Mackenzie’s murderer’s sentence was announced, it was another heartbreak that her case could also be used to help free violent offenders earlier,” she said. “I am so thankful that part of her legacy will now be that future families will not experience the pain we did through the justice system.”
Support is available for anyone impacted by domestic or family violence. In an emergency, call 000.
- NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Add comment
Comments