Australian of the Year

Tabitha Acret’s campaigning on behalf of families affected by domestic violence has achieved tangible results with new mandatory sentencing in New South Wales for offenders convicted of murdering their partners. 

Tabitha's daughter, Mackenzie Anderson, was murdered by her former boyfriend in a domestic violence incident in 2022. In the wake of the tragedy, Tabitha campaigned for judicial reform in domestic violence cases to better reflect the seriousness of the offence. As a result of her advocacy, in 2025, New South Wales introduced Australia's first standard 25-year non-parole period for intimate partner homicide. 

 Alongside her campaign for sentencing reform, Tabitha is a tireless supporter of domestic violence survivors, helping to raise awareness and improve community and government responses. 

Tabitha’s courage and determination after the heartbreaking loss of her daughter has given a voice to families affected by domestic violence and offers hope that real change can be achieved.