Guidepost sentence for intimate partner murder to increase

Standard non-parole periods serve as a legislative guidepost, to be taken into account when sentencing an offender. Courts are required to provide reasons for imposing a minimum sentence that is higher or lower than the SNPP.

The increase to 25 years brings intimate partner murder into line with offences such as murder of a child or public officials acting in the course of their duty. The government says in the five years to June, 59 people were murdered by a current or former intimate partner in NSW. Most of the victims (42) were women.

The change will involve amending the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. The reform was championed by Tabitha Acret, the mother of Mackenzie Anderson, who was murdered by her former partner in 2022.

In a statement issued by the government, Ms Acret expressed her gratitude for the change. “While no law can bring back the lives we’ve tragically lost, I truly hope these reforms will serve as a powerful deterrent,” she said.

Premier Chris Minns said, “I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her incredible courage and advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter. 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 families and communities are torn apart by this crime. “A 25-year standard non-parole period reflects the community’s deep sense of outrage and the lasting harm these crimes cause. It is also about consistency and transparency, ensuring courts have a clear benchmark that reflects the severity of intimate partner homicide.”

A guide on how to spot the signs of coercive control is available here. The NSW Government also has information or guidance on what to do if you suspect and want to help someone in a domestic violence situation here.