The NSW government is taking bail reforms aimed at bolstering protections for victims of domestic violence to cabinet, with legislation to be tabled in parliament this week.
Premier Chris Minns says the reforms to be considered include a change that will make it harder for the most violent offenders to get bail.
The “long overdue” measures would go to cabinet on Monday afternoon with the “hope to have them introduced into parliament this week”, he said.
The judicial overhaul is part of a $230 million four-year government package unveiled last week aimed at curbing domestic and family, amid public outcry over violence against woman.
“We’re particularly focusing on high risk offenders that are facing serious charges in the court whether they’ve got a criminal history or not, who pose an ongoing risk to their former intimate partner,” Mr Minns told Syney radio 2GB.
“We’re particularly looking at that question around bail or remand.”
The death last month of Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst, allegedly at the hands of a former partner who was already on bail on charges of raping, stalking and intimidating her, has spurred calls for urgent legal changes.
A woman has been killed every four days in Australia in the year to date, sparking mass rallies and calls for political action at all levels of government.
Mr Minns this month apologised for his government’s failure to take earlier action to address domestic violence, in unveiling the emergency package to help prevent attacks and support victims.
Under the plan, more than $73 million will go towards justice system reforms, including changes to state bail laws.
The Liberal opposition has called for the expanded use of electronic monitoring devices for serious domestic violence offenders, but the government has not shown support for the option.
It also wants reform to remove the power of court registrars to determine bail for serious personal violence.
There are 39,000 domestic and family violence charges laid in NSW each year, according to the government.
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