Tabitha Acret looking at a picture of her daughter.

The state of New South Wales has introduced groundbreaking legislation targeting domestic violence, aiming to impose the strictest penalties nationwide on those who murder their partners.

The reform comes on the back of tireless campaigning from Tabitha Acret after her daughter, Mackenzie Anderson, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

Previously, offenders have sometimes received sentences as lenient as 15 and a half years without parole.

Tabitha Acret looking at a picture of her daughter.
Tabitha Acret has been campaigning for domestic violence law reforms after the murder of her daughter.(Supplied)

Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of justice, stating, “While it won’t bring back a lost loved one, ensuring justice is crucial.”

Over the last five years, a tragic total of 42 women have been killed by their partners in NSW.

In 2023, the average non-parole period for such crimes was only 13 and a half years.

Tyrone Thompson, who repeatedly violated an Apprehended Violence Order, ultimately went on to murder Anderson.

Acret says it should have attracted a mandatory minimum sentence the first time.

“This sends a strong message that AVOs are worth the paper they’re written on, because the moment they’re not,” she said.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).