NSW Premier Chris Minns has warned of a potential spike in domestic violence around the forthcoming NRL and AFL grand finals, confirming extra police resources will be deployed after a weekend of alleged violence across the state.
Four people, including a five-year-old boy and three women aged 23, 70 and 90, were killed in separate alleged attacks over the weekend, while two children remain in critical condition.
The deaths have renewed calls for urgent action to tackle domestic and family violence, with Minns admitting the government needs to do “far better” to support victims.
Minns instead called for a broader community response, urging people to speak up when they see warning signs of abuse.
In many cases, he said, warning signs are visible long before a violent death occurs.
The premier said the government had already tightened bail laws, increased sentencing and criminalised coercive control.
Standard minimum sentencing for murder involving intimate partner violence has increased from 20 to 25 years, while good character references have been removed for people convicted of the offences.
Despite those changes, Minns said more needed to be done.
Minns said the NSW Government had increased funding for family and domestic violence support programs from $280 million to more than $400 million in two years.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.