NSW Premier Chris Minns has acknowledged serious questions for the state government following the alleged murder of 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst in Forbes. Her former partner, Daniel Billings, has been charged with murder and breaching an apprehended violence order.
Attorney-General Michael Daley will refer the matter to the Crown advocate for advice on urgent bail law reform. The government will examine decisions made in April, the role of registrars, and bail applications, particularly on weekends and in regional areas.
Premier Minns suggested a return to using audiovisual links for serious bail matters in regional courts, a system used during COVID-19. This would allow alleged offenders to appear before a magistrate in Sydney via video link.
NSW Domestic Violence Minister Jodie Harrison said legislative reform is not a 'silver bullet' and urged the public to report domestic violence. Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller stated women in regional NSW are 'not safe', highlighting the vulnerability of women in rural areas.
Federal Minister for Women Katy Gallagher described violence against women as a 'crisis', noting that young and older women alike feel unsafe. She called for all possible options to keep women safe.
