‘Cannot believe it’s still happening’: readers respond to ‘heartbreaking’ domestic violence homicides

Tanya Plibersek, the federal social services minister, has condemned serious police failures in Queensland that contributed to domestic violence deaths, including those of Hannah Clarke and her children, Kardell Lomas and her unborn child, and Gail Karran. Plibersek emphasized that these victims 'should have been kept safe' and called for immediate action from all levels of government following revelations from a Guardian Australia investigation into systemic failures in protecting women fleeing violence.

Queensland researchers have identified a common factor in over half of intimate-partner homicide cases: the victim's own fear of imminent death. This finding suggests that believing the victim's perception of danger is a statistically reliable method for predicting domestic violence homicides, as highlighted in the tragic case of Hannah Clarke.

Leaked guidance for Coalition MPs suggests they should assert that abandoning the net zero emissions target aligns with the Paris Agreement. This comes amid indications that the opposition is aware of potential conflicts with Australia's climate obligations.