NSW government seeking advice for urgent law reform for domestic violence

Speaking at a press conference today, Minns said “the terrible scourge of domestic violence leaves a deep and lasting impact”.

“The death of these women often at the hands of a family member is escalating and horrifying to the people of New South Wales,” he said.

The government will review decisions made before Ticehurst’s death and seek advice on the processes that allowed Billings to be bailed.

“To put it simply, there are serious questions for the New South Wales Government to answer as to how the alleged offender was out on bail,” Minns said.

“We have a duty of care to alleged victims, particularly those awaiting justice through the criminal justice system.

“The profound anger and loss held by the family and friends of the alleged victim is completely justifiable”.

Minns said a particular focus of the advice would be on bail applications on weekends and in regional communities.

Due to resourcing constraints in regional areas, Minns said some bail decisions were falling to court registrars who might not have had the same legal training as a magistrate.

“We want to make sure that members of the judiciary wherever possible are the ones making those decisions, and bearing the responsibility of course of those decisions.”

Minns said the option of using video links to courts in Sydney would be explored so that offenders could have their bail application heard by a magistrate, instead of a registrar.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said the circumstances surrounding Molly Ticehurst’s death would be referred to the Bail Act monitoring group, a panel made up of representatives from the police, corrective services and public prosecutors.

Women’s Safety Commissioner Anna Tonkin will also sit on the Bail Act Monitoring Group.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison expressed her condolences to Molly’s family, loved ones and “the really tight-knit community of Forbes who are grieving right now”.

“We know that Molly is not the only woman to have been allegedly murdered this year,” Harrison said.

“She is one of 25 across Australia.”

Harrison said it was critical for the government to invest in early intervention in cases of domestic violence, and to continue to invest in housing for survivors.

If you are in immediate danger call Triple Zero.