Offenders convicted of murdering their current or former partner will spend 25 years in prison with no parole, with today's sentencing law changes.This comes as domestic violence assaults decline by 3% Territory-wide, with an 16% drop in Alice Springs to December 2025.Labor presided over an 80% increase in domestic violence assaults when in office, and have voted against strong law and order measures on 9 separate occasions. The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to prioritise community safety, put victims first and hold offenders to account as we reduce crime and tackle its root causes.
DV murderers will face 25 years in prison, with no prospect of parole, as Parliament passed the government's newest stronger sentences reform.
Attorney-General, Marie-Clare Boothby said that those who are convicted of murdering their partner should face the strongest possible sentence, and that this legislation would make that possible.
"DV murder is one of the most serious offences someone can commit - and one which disproportionately impacts women in the Territory - especially Aboriginal women. It's among the cruellest acts of violence, and sentencing should reflect that."
"We won't coddle criminals like Labor did with their weak approach to crime. We're putting victims first and sending a clear message: if you take the life of your partner, you'll spend the rest of yours in prison. No discounts, no excuses, and no second chances."
"On Labor's watch, domestic violence went through the roof. Selena Uibo and Chansey Paech presided over an increase of more than 80% in domestic violence assaults. Their wet lettuce approach meant innocent people died."
"Meanwhile, our strong law and order measures - which Labor has voted against 8 times - are already seeing results. Domestic violence assaults have declined by 3% across the Territory - by 16% in Alice Springs alone. Strong leadership and compassion for victims - that's what Territorians voted for and that's what we're delivering."
Minister Boothby acknowledged that there were a handful of vocal critics, but said that Labor's feel-good, piecemeal approach didn't work.
"We heard from some stakeholders who think our mandatory sentences are too harsh, and that we should take a different approach. But the things they suggest have been in place for years and they haven't delivered any results," Minister Boothby said. "Our strong approach to law and order - putting victims first - is making a tangible difference. The stats and the stories show it."
"The reality is that you can't hug your way to ending violence. If you want to stop serious, violent and repeat offenders, lock them up; then they can't offend. And if you're found guilty of murdering your partner, you should be locked up. End of story."
She highlighted that the legislation was only part of the government's strategy to address domestic violence, which is focused on breaking the cycle of violence.
"Labor reneged on their responsibility to tackle DV and the root causes of crime. We've made it a priority, investing $36 million a year into domestic violence prevention initiatives."
"Strong sentences, resourced policing, targeted frontline support, and tackling the root causes of violence earlier - that's what it takes."
This latest change comes after the Finocchiaro CLP Government legislated mandatory sentences for DVO breaches, expanded police powers to conduct DVO compliance checks, mandated electronic monitoring for repeat offenders, and introduced the strongest bail laws in the country, which restored community safety to the heart of decision-making.
Minister Boothby pointed to the success of the government's overall crime reduction strategy.
"We are working hard to reduce crime and tackle root causes, by putting victims first and holding offenders accountable. That hard work is delivering real results, with over 2700 fewer victims of crime. There's work to do, and we'll continue to show the strong leadership Territorians expect when it comes to law and order."
