After a relentless three-year campaign for justice, a Newcastle mother’s advocacy has prompted the New South Wales government to propose a significant legal reform. The proposed law mandates a minimum non-parole period of 25 years for anyone convicted of murdering a current or former partner, aligning these cases with the most severe criminal penalties, such as those for child murder.
The announcement, made on Thursday, was a momentous occasion for Tabitha Acret, who has been at the forefront of this campaign following the brutal murder of her daughter, Mackenzie Anderson. Standing alongside Premier Chris Minns and Attorney-General Michael Daley, Ms. Acret expressed the urgent need for community action against domestic violence. “We as a community need to work together, we need to band together and call out domestic violence, call out people who are treating their partners poorly,” she stated.
A Tragic Catalyst for Change
Mackenzie Anderson, aged 21, was tragically killed in her Mayfield unit in 2022, stabbed 78 times by her former partner, Tyrone Thompson. Thompson was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with a non-parole period of 15 and a half years. Despite an appeal by the Crown, the sentence was upheld, sparking public outcry and calls for tougher penalties.
Attorney-General Michael Daley emphasized the significance of the proposed legislation, describing it as among the toughest in Australia. “So this will mean now that murder of a former or current intimate partner will sit up there at the top of the most serious crimes, those for murdering children or for murdering public officials,” he explained.
Premier Chris Minns echoed this sentiment, declaring that domestic violence perpetrators are now on notice. “This is nation-leading, these are the toughest sentences of any jurisdiction in the country,” he said.
Community Support and Wider Implications
The proposed changes have garnered widespread support from victims’ advocacy groups. Sophie Wheeler, chief executive of the Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL), praised the reform as a crucial step forward. “This is a critical reform that better reflects the gravity of violence against women, and the profound and long-lasting impact on families and communities,” Ms. Wheeler commented.
She further acknowledged the pivotal role played by Tabitha Acret in driving this change. “We especially acknowledge the incredible advocacy of Tabitha, whose unwavering fight for justice and determination to be a voice for her daughter, Mackenzie Anderson, have driven meaningful change,” she added.
Legislative Path Forward
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025, introduced in parliament on Thursday, seeks to amend the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. The bill is expected to be debated in parliament next week, marking a critical juncture in the legislative process.
According to NSW government statistics, 59 people were murdered by a current or former intimate partner in the state over the five years leading up to June 2025, with 42 of the victims being women. These stark figures underscore the urgent need for the proposed legislative changes.
In the five years to June 2025, 59 people were murdered by a current or former intimate partner in NSW, with 42 of them being women.
As the proposed bill moves through the legislative process, it represents a significant shift towards acknowledging and addressing the severity of domestic violence. For Ms. Acret, the proposed law is a bittersweet victory, offering a legacy for her daughter that aims to prevent future tragedies. “So I’m extremely thankful that … there’ll be a legacy for my daughter that will move us forward in a positive way, rather than how negative it has been leading up to this,” she said, expressing her profound gratitude for the proposed change.
The journey towards enacting this legislation highlights the power of advocacy and the potential for meaningful legal reform in the face of tragedy. As the bill awaits parliamentary debate, the eyes of the nation are on New South Wales, hoping for a future where justice for victims of domestic violence is not only served but strengthened.
