Media Releases

Monday 2 February 2026

Media statement

2 February 2026

The NSW Government’s decision to prevent offenders from using “good character” references in sentencing hearings is a step forward. It will help ensure convicted criminals are held fully accountable - especially domestic violence perpetrators.

I have long called for a review of sentencing laws, in part to ensure domestic violence offenders do not receive leniency when a character reference is provided. The NSW reform shows what can be done when governments act. Other states and territories must follow NSW’s lead.

But more is needed. Across Australia, far too many women are being killed by current or former partners. Less than two weeks ago, a man released on bail allegedly murdered three people at Lake
Cargelligo in NSW, including a pregnant woman with whom he was previously in a relationship. There are too many examples to name them all. But Australians are furious and they have had enough.

Meanwhile in Queensland, police reportedly plan to scrap a specialist unit supporting domestic and family violence cases. And across the country, crisis shelters cannot keep up with demand from women and children fleeing family violence.

This is why I am calling for a royal commission into domestic violence. It should examine sentencing, bail laws, policing, gun laws and systemic failures across all states and territories.

Only a far-reaching inquiry of this type can bring about the change Australia so desperately needs. It would elevate the problem of domestic violence to a first-order national priority alongside other issues examined by royal commissions such as veterans suicide, aged care, and now, antisemitism and social cohesion.

Domestic violence victims and their families deserve to be heard at a royal commission, so the nation can respond with the seriousness this crisis demands. Australia urgently needs federal leadership on domestic violence. Many lives depend on it.