Standard Non-Parole Period for Murder of an Intimate Partner
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025
Legislative Council
Legislative Assembly
Assent
Topics
cognitive impairment criminal justice domestic violence murder sentencing personal violence sexual offences
Introduced by: Michael Daley MP (ALP); The Hon Rose Jackson (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Susan Carter LIB
“On behalf of the Opposition I speak in support of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025. Some members have said that, in changing the maximum period of imprisonment for intimate partner homicide, the bill is a token or a symbol. It is a symbol.”
Abigail Boyd GRN
“On behalf of The Greens I contribute to debate on the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 as The Greens spokesperson for gendered violence and abuse. I recognise the families and loved ones of victims of intimate partner homicide who have been advocating for change to end violence against women and children and hold perpetrators to account.”
Emily Suvaal ALP
“The bill is another important step the Government is taking to support victim-survivors and their families and combat domestic and family violence. We have heard the community response to sentencing for intimate partner homicide. We have heard from families who have been impacted by intimate partner homicide. We have acted.”
News articles and press releases
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025
The Hon. ROSE JACKSON, Minister for Water — 2025-10-16
This reform is a critical step in recognising the distinct social harm of intimate partner homicide. It will ensure that sentencing outcomes reflect community expectations and the extremely serious nature of these offences. Currently, the standard non-parole period for murder is 20 years. There are also two distinct categories of murder where the standard non-parole period is 25 years: where the victim was a child under 18 years of age; or a public official killed in the course of their duties. This bill will establish a third category of murder with a standard non-parole period of 25 years where the victim was the current or former intimate partner of the offender.