Mother’s Heartbreaking Quest for Justice: NSW Introduces Harsher Sentences for Domestic Violence Murderers After Tragic Death of 21-Year-Old Mackenzie Anderson
- The NSW government has introduced a new law increasing the minimum non-parole period for domestic violence murderers to 25 years, following the brutal stabbing of Mackenzie Anderson by her ex-boyfriend.
- Mackenzie’s mother, Tabitha Acret, has been a driving force behind the change, advocating for harsher sentences for domestic violence offenders after her daughter’s tragic death.
- The new law aims to provide a powerful deterrent for perpetrators of intimate partner violence, with Premier Chris Minns praising Tabitha’s bravery and commitment to driving real change.
In a devastating turn of events, Tabitha Acret’s 21-year-old daughter Mackenzie Anderson was brutally stabbed 78 times by her ex-boyfriend Tyrone Thompson in March 2022. The horrific attack has led to a major overhaul of the state’s sentencing laws for domestic violence murderers.
Thompson, who had been released on parole just 16 days prior to the attack, was sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison, a term that was widely slammed as “manifestly inadequate” by Mackenzie’s family and prosecutors. Despite an appeal, the sentence was upheld, sparking outrage and calls for change.
In the wake of her daughter’s tragic death, Tabitha Acret has become a vocal advocate for domestic violence reform, campaigning tirelessly for harsher sentences for offenders. Her efforts have finally borne fruit, with the NSW government introducing a new law that increases the minimum non-parole period for intimate partner homicides to 25 years.
Premier Chris Minns has praised Tabitha’s bravery and commitment to driving real change, saying, “No parent should ever have to endure what Tabitha has, yet she has used her voice to drive real change that will help protect others.”
The new law is a significant step forward in recognising the true severity of domestic violence crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. It sends a powerful signal to the community about the importance of taking domestic violence seriously and protecting victims.
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. In an emergency, call 000. Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.