Please note that this article discusses domestic violence that some people may find disturbing or triggering.
The New South Wales Premier has ordered an urgent review of the state’s bail laws after the alleged murder of a 28-year-old woman by her former husband.
Molly Ticejurst, a mother of a five-year-old son and a teacher’s assistant in NSW, was allegedly murdered by her former husband while he was out on bail.
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The news of Molly’s death is not an isolated incident. Data shows that 11 more women have died violently in 2024 compared to the same time last year.
The Premier’s call for a review comes amid growing demands for reform in the bail system, particularly concerning cases of domestic violence.
On today’s The Briefing afternoon episode, we talked to Dr Terry Goldsworthy, an associate professor in criminology at Bond University, about whether our bail laws need to change.
Dr Goldsworthy said that community protection would be “paramount”.
“Offending within those relationships can be very problematic in terms of reoffending. So I mean, all of those things go into play; community safety is probably the most important part of consideration,” he said.
Calls for a nationwide overhaul of bail laws are gaining momentum, with advocates arguing that banning bail for domestic violence accused could save lives.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said: “Young women don’t feel safe, older women don’t feel safe.”
“That’s 50 per cent of the population in this country who think about what it means to park your car in a dark space, what it means to walk by yourself, what it means to do anything by yourself these days, and that’s just not acceptable.”
Family and domestic violence support services:
NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463
1800 Respect National Helpline on 1800 737 732
DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491
Lifeline on 131 114
Emergency services on triple-0 if you need immediate care
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