A growing campaign calling for major changes to NSW domestic violence laws has taken another step forward, with advocates behind “Caitlin’s Law” meeting directly with NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley this week.

The update was shared on the official Caitlin’s Law Facebook page in a post also shared by Cessnock MP Clayton Barr.

“Today, joined by my local member for parliament Clayton Barr, we officially met with The NSW Attorney General, The Hon Michael Daley. Stay tuned for this one 🥰”

The campaign is pushing for legal reforms that would strip certain rights from alleged domestic violence perpetrators after the death of a victim.

Under current NSW laws, a spouse or de facto partner can automatically become the deceased person’s senior next of kin if there is no will — even in cases where that person is accused of domestic violence, coercive control, or is under investigation over the death.

Supporters of Caitlin’s Law argue this can allow alleged abusers to:

• control funeral arrangements,
• access personal belongings,
• communicate with authorities,
• influence coronial matters,
• and override the wishes of grieving families.

The movement is named after Caitlin Rose Thornton, whose death allegedly exposed what supporters describe as a loophole in NSW law.

While draft legislation has not yet been publicly released, campaigners are calling for reforms that would:

• suspend next-of-kin rights where domestic violence is alleged,
• stop suspected abusers from automatically controlling decisions after a victim’s death,
• give families greater legal standing,
• and introduce protections during police and coronial investigations.

The proposal follows a wave of recent NSW domestic violence reforms, including coercive control laws, tougher bail rules and increased penalties for serious domestic violence offences.

The meeting with the Attorney-General suggests the proposed reforms may now be under active consideration by the NSW Government.