Forbes community gathers for ‘Molly Mattered’ walk after young mum’s death as political fight brews regarding DV bail reform

A fight is brewing around the inclusion of electronic ankle monitoring in the Minns government’s domestic violence bail reform package expected this week, as the NSW opposition vows not to abandon its push for the measure.

The community of Forbes is holding a Mother's Day walking event around Lake Forbes to honour Molly Ticehurst. Picture: Dane Millerd

A fight is brewing around the inclusion of electronic ankle monitoring in the Minns government’s domestic violence bail reform package expected this week, as the NSW opposition vows not to abandon its push for the measure.

The family of childcare workers and young mum Molly Ticehurst continued their push for bail reforms on Sunday which also includes an expansion of electronic monitoring.

The tight-knit community of Forbes rallied on Mother’s Day to honour the life of Ms Ticehurst, with thousands of locals gathering for the “Molly Mattered” walk around Lake Forbes.

Ms Ticehurst, 28, was found dead inside her home on Young St in Forbes during a welfare check, with her ex-partner – Daniel Billings, charged with murder and contravening an apprehended violence order.

Lyndy Bokeyar and Debbie Brown in Forbes. Debbie is Molly Ticehurst’s aunty. Picture: Dane Millerd

Jordi Shaw, Jacinda Acheson (organiser) and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller at the walk. Picture: Dane Millerd

At the time of the alleged murder, Billings was on bail after being charged with raping her three times, stalking her, causing damage to her property and abusing a 12-week-old puppy.

The walk – described by family spokesperson and organiser Jacinda Acheson as “beautiful” and “very gentle”, formed part of the family’s efforts to push for reforms to the state’s bail laws and electronic monitoring.

Molly Ticehurst was murdered in Forbes in April, allegedly by her former partner Daniel Billings.

Under the family’s proposal called “Molly’s Law”, police would be notified if alleged domestic violence offenders breach their bail, in the form of electronic monitoring devices such as those used for perpetrators on parole.

“It’s all going into parliament this week. We’re waiting and sitting on the edge of our seat,” Ms Acheson said.

“It would mean Molly has been recognised. She doesn’t have a voice anymore, it’s too late. Her death can’t go unrecognised.”

The NSW government’s new bail package will be presented to cabinet today before being introduced to parliament later this week.

The legislation will focus on denying the most violent domestic abusers jail, but is not expected to include significant electronic monitoring reform.

Last week NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley told parliament that the government had received advice from the domestic violence prevention sector “not to rush into reform with respect to electronic monitoring”.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“There are instances where it does not work, does not protect the woman and the woman in question does not feel safe,” he said.

NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman said he would continue to fight for the inclusion of monitoring if it wasn’t included in the government’s reform.

“We ask the Minns government to join us in implementing an approach that works – electronic monitoring,” he said.

“The time to act is now, and we’ve offered to work constructively with the government on our proposal and on any other worthwhile ones.”

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