Premier Peter Malinauskas set to host roundtable of domestic violence experts as pressure increases for Royal Commission

Six people have died in less than three weeks in SA from alleged domestic violence – now the Premier has revealed what he’s doing.

Premier Peter Malinauskas is set to host a roundtable of experts in the coming weeks as he faces increasing pressure to initiate a royal commission into domestic violence.

It comes after a surge in alleged domestic violence-related deaths in SA in the past two and a half weeks, in which five women and one man have died, allegedly at the hands of men known to them.

There are fears from frontline workers that domestic violence incidents could worsen in the lead up to Christmas.

On Sunday, Mr Malinauskas said he was working with his government and experts to find a resolution and said a proper roundtable discussion was likely to take place within the next fortnight.

“As you might be aware, I haven’t ruled out a royal commission, I just want to make sure that whatever we decide to do, gets us the speediest resolution and the right outcome to make a difference on the ground as soon as possible,” Mr Malinauskas said.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the government will host an expert roundtable in the coming weeks to tackle domestic violence, Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“We are hosting an important roundtable with a whole range of experts in the sector and government in a couple of weeks time.

“Something that will be discussed with others is a way that we might have further inquiries and investigations into the future.”

Separately, Mr Malinauskas also paid tribute to 85-year-old grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria Dimasi, who was found dead at her Findon home on Saturday night.

Police say her husband Frank, 91, is expected to be charged with her murder.

“On a personal level, Maria Dimasi was a very significant contributor to our state, particularly in the western suburbs Italian community,” he said.

Opposition leader David Speirs says there needs to be a royal commission into domestic violence amid a spike in deaths in the past two weeks. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“Nonna’s Cucina, which will be very well known to a lot of South Australians, did amazing work delivering meals to people that are vulnerable, particularly the elderly.

“This is a good person who has lost their lives in tragic circumstances.”

Opposition leader, David Speirs said it was a “heartbreaking” incident and prior to her death, last week, was ramping up calls in state parliament for a Royal Commission into domestic violence.

“The Liberal Party has backed calls by experts in the domestic violence sector for a Royal Commission to investigate and identify gaps in the system that are leading to women losing their lives,” Mr Speirs said.

“We’ve consulted with the domestic violence sector and they believe a Royal Commission is needed urgently.”